Homemade croquettes for children today and I can say that they were luxurious

Homemade croquettes are a fantastic way to get kids to eat their veggies and protein! It’s wonderful they were a hit. Since you mentioned they were “luxurious,” I’m picturing something extra special. Here’s a general recipe and some ideas for making them extra delicious for kids:

Basic Homemade Croquette Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Base:
  • 1-2 cups cooked and mashed potatoes (or sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.)
  • 1 cup cooked and finely chopped protein (chicken, ground beef, fish, or legumes)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables (onions, peas, corn, spinach, etc.)
• Binding:
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
  • Spices and herbs to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, etc.)
• Coating:
  • Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese mixed with breadcrumbs
• Frying:
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, protein, vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices.
   • Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape the Croquettes:
   • Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders or balls.
   • You can make them any shape your kids like.
3. Coat the Croquettes:
   • Roll the croquettes in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Fry the Croquettes:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil.
   • Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
   • Remove the croquettes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the croquettes warm with your children’s favorite dipping sauces.

Making Them “Luxurious” for Kids:

• Cheese:
  • Add shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella) to the mixture for extra flavor and gooeyness.
  • You can also stuff the croquettes with a small cube of cheese before coating them.
• Bacon Bits:
  • Crispy bacon bits mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top add a delicious savory flavor.
• Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Creative Shapes:
  • Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or animals.
• Dipping Sauces:
  • Offer a variety of dipping sauces: ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or a homemade yogurt dip.
• Hidden Veggies:
  • Finely chop or puree vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrients.
• Presentation:
  • Arrange the croquettes on a plate with colorful vegetables or a side of fruit.

By adding a few special touches, you can elevate your homemade croquettes from simple to luxurious, making them a hit with even the pickiest eaters.