Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will make your guests beg for more! These Bacon Manchego Croquettes are not just another boring snack - they're a crispy, cheesy explosion of flavor that combines the smoky richness of bacon with the luxurious taste of Spanish Manchego cheese. Imagine golden-brown, perfectly crisp exterior giving way to a molten, savory interior, all complemented by a spicy Tabasco ranch dip that will set your palate on fire. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a gourmet treat, these croquettes are about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup Manchego cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cooked bacon (chopped), 1 cup of shredded Manchego cheese, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped bacon and shredded Manchego cheese. Mix well to ensure the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. Prepare a third bowl with the breadcrumbs.
- Take a small amount of the bacon and cheese mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and form it into a small ball or patty. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into croquettes.
- Once you have formed all the croquettes, take each one and roll it in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip each floured croquette into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, roll each croquette in the breadcrumbs until they are fully coated. Place the breaded croquettes on a plate or baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the croquettes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the croquettes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the croquettes are frying, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the ranch dressing and Tabasco sauce in a small bowl. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
- Once all the croquettes are fried and drained, serve them warm with the Tabasco ranch dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Manchego Croquettes!
Tips
- Ensure your bacon is crispy and well-chopped for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Use cold Manchego cheese for easier shredding and better binding of the croquette mixture.
- Keep your hands slightly wet when forming croquettes to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for perfect, even browning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying - this helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
- Let croquettes rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Tabasco ranch sauce in advance to let flavors meld together.
- Serve immediately while the croquettes are hot and crispy for the best eating experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
