The emergence of a crunchy bite
The croquette, whose name derives from the French ‘croquer’ which means to crunch, is an exquisite delicacy that has conquered palates around the world. Its history dates back to French haute cuisine and has been recorded in recipe books since the 17th century.
At that time, François Massialot, acclaimed chef of the Duke of Orleans, already included a recipe that resembles the current concept of croquettes. Although they did not have the presence of béchamel, their preparation consisted of fillings dipped in egg, breadcrumbs and then fried in butter.
The evolution towards a culinary icon
It was in the 18th century when the croquette underwent a significant transformation. The perfect combination emerged: a soft bechamel enveloping a tasty filling, molded into small balls that, when fried, acquired an irresistible crunchy texture.
The cultural influence of the Enlightenment brought with it a revolution in gastronomy, and croquettes were no exception. For the first time, these delicacies appeared on palace menus under the name ‘croquettes a la royale’, standing out for the masterful use of béchamel.
The croquette: a pleasure for all the senses
The versatility of croquettes is undeniable. Its wide variety of fillings, from ham and cheese to seafood or vegetables, allows you to enjoy unique flavors in every bite. Whether as a starter, main course or even as a tapa, croquettes are always welcome on any table.
The ‘gourmetization’ of this classic of exploitative cuisine has led to its presence in select restaurants and recognized venues around the world. If you are a fan of croquettes, we offer you a selection of 10 unmissable places where you can taste authentic culinary masterpieces.