Easy Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes)
If you’ve ever sat at a seaside taverna in Greece and ordered a plate of appetizers, there’s a good chance you’ve come across tirokroketes—crispy golden cheese croquettes with a soft, melty inside that practically begs to be dipped and devoured. These little bites of cheesy heaven are rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.
The best part? You don’t need to fly to Greece to enjoy them—you can whip them up in your own kitchen in no time with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re planning a mezze platter, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want something cheesy and comforting, these tirokroketes are the answer.
Recipe Origin
Tirokroketes (pronounced tee-ro-KROH-keh-tes) literally means “cheese croquettes” in Greek. They’re a classic meze dish, often served alongside dips like tzatziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), or just a squeeze of lemon. Each family has its own twist—some add herbs, others use a mix of local cheeses. This version keeps it simple and easy but doesn’t skip on flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Plate for dredging flour
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels for draining
Easy Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 croquettes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tirokroketes, or Greek Cheese Croquettes, are crispy golden bites filled with a rich and melty cheese mixture. These easy-to-make appetizers combine feta and mozzarella with fresh herbs, then lightly fry them for the perfect crunchy snack or party treat.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella (about 1 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour (+ more for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine feta, mozzarella, egg, flour, dried mint, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or croquettes.
- Lightly roll each croquette in additional flour to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry croquettes in batches, turning gently until golden brown on all sides (about 3–4 minutes).
- Remove and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with a side of tzatziki, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- If the mixture is too soft to shape, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before forming croquettes.
- You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes as a lighter option.
- Great as a meze (Greek appetizer) or paired with a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 croquettes
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love Easy Tirokroketes
Simple Ingredients
Just cheese, egg, flour, and a touch of herbs—you probably have everything already.
Cheesy Goodness
Feta gives them tanginess while mozzarella melts beautifully for that perfect texture.
Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside
That golden crust with a soft, melty center is irresistible.
Quick to Make
From mixing to frying, you’ll be snacking in about 20 minutes.
Perfect Appetizer
They fit into any party spread, mezze board, or cozy night-in snack lineup.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure to use a good quality feta—it’s the star of the flavor here.
- Chill the cheese mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes before shaping if it feels too sticky.
- Roll them evenly so they fry at the same rate.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and croquettes crisp.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best melty texture.
Ingredients in Easy Tirokroketes
Feta Cheese
Salty, tangy, and crumbly—this is the backbone of flavor.
Mozzarella
Mild and melty, it balances the feta with gooey texture.
Egg
Helps bind everything together.
Flour
Thickens the mixture and creates a crisp coating when dredged.
Dried Mint
Adds freshness and a little Mediterranean flair.
Baking Powder
Keeps the croquettes light and fluffy inside.
Salt
Just a pinch—remember, feta is already salty.
Olive Oil
For pan-frying, giving the croquettes that golden, crispy crust.
Instructions
Make the Mixture
In a bowl, combine feta, mozzarella, egg, flour, mint, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Croquettes
Form the mixture into small balls or ovals. Dredge lightly in flour to help them hold their shape.
Fry the Croquettes
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry croquettes in batches, turning until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per batch).
Drain and Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: About 12 croquettes
Calories per serving: ~80–100 (depending on size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Easy Tirokroketes
- With Dips: Pair with tzatziki, spicy feta dip, or marinara.
- On a Mezze Platter: Alongside olives, pita, and grilled veggies.
- Party Snack: Perfect finger food for gatherings.
- Side Dish: Serve with salad or grilled meats for a Greek-inspired meal.
- With Lemon: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon brings everything to life.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Mix and shape the croquettes, then refrigerate until ready to fry.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Crisp them up in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Freeze: Shape and freeze uncooked croquettes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen (adding an extra minute or two).
Variations to Try
- Cheese Swap: Try kefalotyri, gouda, or cheddar for a different twist.
- Herb Boost: Add parsley, dill, or oregano for more freshness.
- Spicy Version: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Baked Version: Place on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
Additional Tips
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan—it lowers the oil temperature.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a little extra flour.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or ouzo for a true Greek feel.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these in the air fryer instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Brush lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Q2: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried mint?
A2: Definitely—just double the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
Q3: Do I have to use mozzarella?
A3: No, but it helps with that melty center. You can use gouda or another mild cheese instead.
Q4: Can I prep them a day before frying?
A4: Absolutely! Keep them covered in the fridge and fry when ready.
Q5: What dip goes best with tirokroketes?
A5: Tzatziki is a classic, but spicy feta dip (tirokafteri) is amazing too.
Q6: Are tirokroketes vegetarian?
A6: Yes, as long as your cheeses are made without animal rennet.
Q7: Can I make them bigger, like patties?
A7: Yes, just flatten them slightly and adjust frying time.
Q8: Can I shallow-fry instead of deep-fry?
A8: Yes, just use enough oil to cover at least half of each croquette and flip halfway.
Q9: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A9: Make sure to dredge lightly in flour and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Q10: Can I serve them cold?
A10: They’re best warm, but you can enjoy them at room temperature on a mezze spread.
Conclusion
These Easy Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes) are crispy, golden bites of cheesy bliss that bring a little taste of Greece right to your table. With simple ingredients and quick prep, they’re perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself to something delicious.
Next time you’re craving comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, whip up a batch of these tirokroketes—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
