Mediterranean Stuffed Cabbage Croquettes
These croquettes bring together the heartiness of cabbage and potatoes with Mediterranean flavors and a crispy golden shell. The first layer is a savory cabbage-cheese mixture, while the filling is a creamy chicken and potato blend. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these croquettes combine texture and flavor in every bite. Serve them with a simple yogurt dip, tzatziki, or a fresh salad for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Time
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Cabbage Croquette Mixture (outer layer):
2 cups finely shredded cabbage
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup mashed potatoes (for binding)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Mashed Potato Filling:
1 lb potato, peeled and cut into 2″ pieces (russet or Idaho)
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For frying (optional):
Oil for shallow or deep frying
Breadcrumbs for coating (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
Prepare the potato filling base:
Place peeled, cut potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
Mash the potatoes until smooth.
Make the chicken filling:
In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with chopped chicken, Parmesan, egg, sour cream, thyme, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until well blended. Set aside.
Prepare the cabbage mixture:
In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add shredded cabbage and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender.
Let it cool slightly, then mix with mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper to form a cohesive mixture. This will be the outer layer.
Assemble croquettes:
Take a portion of the cabbage mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand.
Add a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center, then carefully fold and shape into a ball or oval, sealing the filling inside.
Optional: Roll each croquette lightly in breadcrumbs for a crispier crust.
Cook croquettes:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Enjoy warm with a Mediterranean yogurt dip, garlic aioli, or a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.
Tips
Drain cabbage well: After sautéing, make sure the cabbage isn’t watery. Too much moisture can make the croquettes fall apart.
Cool mixtures slightly: Let both the cabbage mixture and chicken filling cool before shaping. This makes them easier to handle.
Use damp hands: Lightly wet your hands with water or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking when forming croquettes.
Seal well: Make sure the cabbage layer fully covers the filling, so it doesn’t leak during frying.
Bake option: For a lighter version, brush croquettes with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes until golden.
Variations
Cheese swap: Replace Parmesan with pecorino, manchego, or feta for different Mediterranean flavors.
Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and double the mashed potato with extra cheese and herbs.
Herb boost: Fresh parsley, dill, or basil in the filling adds brightness.
Spice twist: Add a pinch of paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for extra depth.
Mini bites: Make smaller croquettes for appetizers or party platters.
Stuffing swap: Instead of chicken, try ground turkey, tuna, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different filling.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can shape the croquettes, place them on a tray, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. They can also be frozen raw and cooked straight from the freezer.
Q: Do I have to fry them?
A: No. Baking at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crisp works well if you prefer a lighter version.
Q: What dip goes best with these?
A: Yogurt-based dips like tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or even a roasted red pepper sauce complement them beautifully.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Leftover mash works perfectly for both the cabbage mixture and the chicken filling.
Nutrition
(per croquette, based on 12 servings)
Calories: ~145
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: ~10% DV
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on cheese choice and cooking method.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Stuffed Cabbage Croquettes are crisp on the outside, soft and savory inside, and packed with comforting flavors. They combine hearty chicken, potatoes, cabbage, and cheese into a versatile dish you can serve as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Whether baked or fried, these croquettes are a satisfying way to enjoy Mediterranean-style comfort food with a creative twist.