Spicy Chorizo Manchego Croquettes with Smoked Paprika Aioli

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy a Bit of Spain?

Ever been to Barcelona and grabbed some tapas? These Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Croquettes with Smoked Paprika Aioli bring that right to your kitchen.

Imagine golden, crispy balls filled with chorizo and cheese. These best party appetizers are an absolute flavour bomb.

Brief Overview: A Taste of Barcelona

These croquettes are inspired by classic Spanish tapas. Think Barcelona bar snacks, but homemade! They are a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour.

This recipe makes about 24 croquettes, perfect for sharing, or not.

Main Benefits: Party Nibbles Hot

These hot appetizers are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The smoky aioli just elevates it all. Plus, they're packed with protein from the chorizo and cheese.

Ideal for your next gathering, or a fancy night in. What makes them special? They are a taste of Spain in every bite.

Let's Get Cooking: Ingredients

To make these bad boys, you'll need:

• For the Croquettes: Olive oil, Spanish chorizo, yellow onion, all-purpose flour, whole milk, grated nutmeg, salt, pepper, Manchego cheese, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil.
• For the Smoked Paprika Aioli: Mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Honestly, finding proper Manchego can be a pain in the arse. Don't worry too much about it. Any hard cheese will work wonders. It's all about the flavour you want to achieve.

What You'll Need in the Kitchen

Here's a list of equipment you'll need to make this recipe.

• A large saucepan
• A whisk
• Shallow dishes (for breading)
• A deep fry thermometer (optional, but very much recommended)
• A slotted spoon
• Paper towels

step-by-step: Béchamel Cheese Balls

First, make the béchamel base. Next, add the cheese and chill. Then, shape the croquettes. After that, bread them well and fry until golden.

Finally, whip up the aioli. Serve and watch them disappear.

Nutritional Information (Estimate)

(Per serving, approximately 2 croquettes)

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg (Estimate - highly variable based on chorizo and cheese)

(Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Pro Tips and Variations

• Chill the mixture well! This stops them from falling apart during frying.
• Keep the oil temp consistent at 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer for perfect results.
• Fry in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan.

I learned this the hard way. One time, I tried to fry too many, and they turned out soggy. Never again! You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthy appetizers twist or add extra spice with red pepper flakes.

Let's Talk Ingredients and Kit, Shall We?

Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Before we dive into making these utterly scrumptious Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Croquettes with Smoked Paprika Aioli , we need to gather our bits and bobs.

And trust me, having the right ingredients and gear makes all the difference. These easy appetizer recipes are about to get a whole lot easier!

Main Ingredients for Spanish Appetizers:

Okay, here’s what you'll need, measured out like a proper baker:

• Olive Oil : 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality olive oil makes a difference.
• Spanish Chorizo : 4 ounces (115g), casing removed, finely diced. Look for a firm chorizo, not too oily, for best results.
• Yellow Onion : 1 small (about 1/2 cup), finely diced.
• All-Purpose Flour : 1/4 cup (30g).
• Whole Milk : 2 cups (475 ml). Full fat gives the best richness.
• Grated Nutmeg : 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly grated is lovely, but pre-ground is fine too.
• Salt and Pepper : To taste. Don’t be shy!
• Manchego Cheese : 4 ounces (115g), grated. This is the key to those authentic Manchego cheese appetizers . If you can't find it, a sharp cheddar will do in a pinch, but honestly, try to get the real deal!
• Large Eggs : 2, beaten.
• Panko Breadcrumbs : 1 cup (80g). Panko gives the best crunch, trust me.
• Vegetable Oil : For frying. You'll need enough for deep frying.

For the Smoked Paprika Aioli , our gorgeous dipping sauce:

• Mayonnaise : 1 cup (240 ml). Use a good quality mayo, it really does make a difference.
• Garlic : 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, you know?
• Lemon Juice : 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Freshly squeezed, obviously!
• Smoked Paprika : 1 teaspoon. This is what gives the aioli its smoky kick. Don’t skimp!
• Cayenne Pepper : 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of extra heat, if you're feeling brave.
• Salt and Pepper : To taste.

Seasoning Notes

Alright, listen up, because the seasoning is where the magic happens. You know? Smoked paprika is the star for that Barcelona bar snacks vibe.

A pinch of cayenne livens things up k_annotated = ['Spicy tapas recipes'], but it’s all about balance. The garlic in the aioli? Essential! Don't even think about skipping it.

It is great for any appetizer dip recipes . If you are looking for more unique appetizer ideas , you can add some herbs.

Equipment Needed

Now, onto the tools of the trade. We're not talking fancy MasterChef gear here, just the basics to make these party nibbles hot :

• Large saucepan. This is where the béchamel magic happens.
• Whisk. To keep that béchamel smooth as silk.
• Shallow dishes. For setting up a proper breading station.
• Deep fry thermometer. Optional, but it helps keep the oil at the perfect 350° F ( 175° C) .
• Slotted spoon. For rescuing those golden brown beauties from the hot oil.
• Paper towels. For draining off the excess oil nobody likes a soggy croquette!

Honestly, that's it! No need for fancy gadgets. A good saucepan, a decent whisk, and a bit of elbow grease are all you really need to create these gorgeous, crowd pleasing best party appetizers .

Now, let’s get cooking!

Let's Get Croquette ing! The Best Party Appetizers Ever.

Honestly, who doesn't love a good croquette? They're the perfect party nibbles hot , especially when you want something a bit fancy but still comforting.

Today, we're making Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Croquettes with Smoked Paprika Aioli . Think Barcelona bar snacks in your own kitchen, but even better.

This recipe might sound a bit cheffy, but trust me, with a bit of prep, you'll be whipping these up like a pro.

Prep Like a Boss: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, mise en place is your best mate. Dice that chorizo, grate that Manchego. Having everything prepped makes the whole process way smoother.

Oh, and a quick tip? Chill the cheese before grating. It stops it from clumping. I'm telling you, it's a lifesaver.

Make sure to have your 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), 4 ounces Spanish chorizo, casing removed, finely diced (115g), 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (approx.

1/2 cup), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g), 2 cups whole milk (475 ml), 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg , salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 4 ounces Manchego cheese, grated (115g), 2 large eggs, beaten , 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (80g), and Vegetable oil, for frying .

Also prepare for the Smoked Paprika Aioli ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise (240 ml), 2 cloves garlic, minced , 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) , salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Croquette Creation: step-by-step Magic

1. Béchamel Time : Sauté onion in olive oil. Then, chuck in the chorizo. Cook till browned.
2. Flour Power : Stir in flour. Cook for a minute. Then, slowly whisk in milk. Simmer until thick. Don’t stop stirring, or you'll get lumps.
3. Cheese Please : Take it off the heat. Stir in that gorgeous Manchego. Make sure it melts nicely.
4. Chill Out : Spread the mixture in a dish. Cover with cling film. Chill for at least 30 minutes . This is key, so don't skip it!
5. Roll 'Em : Scoop out spoonfuls. Roll into little cylinders.
6. Bread 'Em : Dip in egg. Then, roll in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they're fully coated.
7. Fry Time : Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry in batches until golden. About 2- 3 minutes per batch should do it.
8. Aioli Away : Whisk mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika together. Season. Serve with those lovely Fried appetizer recipes .

Pro Tips for Croquette Perfection

Want to take your croquettes to the next level? Double bread them for extra crunch! Seriously, it makes all the difference.

Be careful not to burn yourself. And remember, Mary Berry appetizer recipes are all about the detail. Also, Don't overcrowd the pan when frying.

Fry in batches. If you want the best party appetizers , chilling the mixture is non-negotiable. You can also prep the croquettes ahead and store them in the fridge.

These Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Croquettes are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Give them a go and bring a bit of Spanish sunshine to your kitchen! And if you're looking for more easy appetizer recipes , stick around.

I've got tons more up my sleeve!

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons for Croquette Success

Alright, so you’re gonna give these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Croquettes a go, eh? Brilliant! Before you dive in, here are a few little things that'll make your life easier.

Think of it as my cheat sheet to your best party nibbles hot ever. These notes are key if you're looking for easy appetizer recipes .

Honestly, they're not tricky, but a little planning goes a long way.

Serving Them Up Right

Okay, plating time! Think rustic charm. Pile these Spanish appetizers high on a wooden board. A scattering of fresh parsley looks pretty fancy.

Got some mixed olives and marinated artichoke hearts? Chuck them on too! As for drinks, a crisp Spanish white wine, like Albariño, is spot on .

It cuts through the richness of the croquettes beautifully. Or, if you’re after something non-alcoholic, a sparkling elderflower presse works a treat.

Appetizer platter ideas always benefit from a bit of greenery, so a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side would be an excellent choice to balance things out.

Storing Your Golden Goodness

Right, let's talk leftovers. These béchamel cheese balls are best fresh, no doubt. But if you do have some, pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge.

They'll be good for up to 3 days . Reheating? Oven's your best bet for crispiness. About 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes should do it.

You can also reheat them in an air fryer, if you have one. Freezing? Yeah, you can freeze them before frying.

Lay them on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, but add a few minutes to the cooking time.

It's great to have these on hand for make-ahead appetizers .

Croquette Creations: Variations Galore

Fancy a twist? No problem! If you're looking for vegetarian appetizers , swap out the chorizo for finely chopped mushrooms and a bit more Manchego.

Boom! For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Simple, eh? For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel or the Smoked Paprika Aioli .

I sometimes swap the Manchego for Parmesan if I have it knocking about. And remember, whole milk can be swapped with 2% milk, but the béchamel will be slightly less rich, it works still great for cheap appetizer ideas .

Nutritional Nuggets

Alright, quick bit on the good stuff. These little fried appetizer recipes clock in around 250-300 calories per serving (that's about 2 croquettes).

You're getting a decent hit of protein (around 10g ) and some healthy fats (around 18g ). They've got carbs too (around 15g ), and a bit of fibre ( 1g ), plus a little sugar ( 2g ).

Sodium's about 300mg , but it depends on how salty your chorizo and cheese are. But look, these are treats, right? Enjoy them! Plus, you're getting some calcium from the cheese, and protein from the chorizo and cheese.

So, go on, treat yourself to some of the best party appetizers . These are really unique appetizer ideas !

Honestly, don't be intimidated. Have a laugh, get stuck in, and enjoy the process. If I can do it, you totally can.

Now, go forth and make some amazing hot appetizers ! You got this!