What Is a Croquette? (And Why Ours Are Different)
A croquette is a small, breaded, deep-fried roll made by blending a thick béchamel with a protein (like ham, chicken, cheese, or fish), then coating it in breadcrumbs. When fried, the outside becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays creamy and smooth.
Croquettes are enjoyed throughout the day — as breakfast, a snack, a party appetizer, or even tucked into a sandwich like the croqueta preparada, a Cuban classic that layers croquettes inside a pressed Cuban sandwich.
Why Catalina’s Croquettes Stand Out
Catalina has set the standard for croquettes in Florida for decades. You’ll find them in Hispanic bakeries, cafeterias, and restaurants throughout the state — and in the freezer aisle of nearly every supermarket in South Florida.
Our croquettes are:
– Authentic in flavor— true to traditional Cuban and Latin recipes that shaped Miami’s food culture
– SQF-certified and HACCP-compliant— produced in USDA-inspected facilities with strict quality control.
– Optimized for frying— designed specifically to be deep-fried, for the golden crisp exterior croquetas are known for.
– Can they be oven-baked? You could, theoretically — but Catalina croquettes, like all breaded foods, are meant to be deep-fried for that special crunch you can only get from hot oil.
When to Serve Croquettes
Croquettes aren’t a meal — they’re a snack, a side, or a late-night bite. In Cuban-American homes, they show up at breakfast, lunch counters, parties, and even inside sandwiches like the croqueta preparada.
At Catalina, we make them for all of those moments — ready to fry, ready to share, and always satisfying.
Our Croquette Varieties
While Hamis our best seller, many customers have a favorite:
– Ham (Jamón)– The iconic Cuban croquette
– Chicken– Mild, savory, and satisfying
– Cheese– Rich and creamy with a crisp shell
– Chorizo & Cheese (ChoriCheese)– Bold and flavorful
– Cod (Bacalao)– Traditional and made with 100% authentic cod
A Cultural Staple with Global Roots
Croquettes originated in 17th-century France, became popular in Spain, and traveled to the Caribbean through colonial migration. In Cuban-American homes, they’re a symbol of heritage and hospitality — easy to serve, quick to fry, and perfect for sharing.
Croquette vs. Other Snacks
| Snack Type | Texture | Common Fillings | Cooking Method |
| Croquette | Crispy + creamy | Ham, chicken, cheese, cod | Fried only |
| Mozzarella Stick | Crispy + stretchy | Cheese | Fried |
| Empanada | Flaky or doughy | Meat, cheese, vegetables | Baked or fried |
| Fritter | Crunchy + dense | Corn, veggies, meat | Fried |
⚡ How to Fry Catalina Croquettes
- Do not thaw before cooking.
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry 4–6 croquettes at a time for ~5 minutes.
- Remove and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
– Minimum internal temperature: 165°F.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Catalina classic croquettes fully cooked?
No — our classic varieties are sold uncooked, frozen and must be fried before eating. We do have a new line of par-fried croquettes that can be cooked in an air-fryer or baked in the oven!
Can I bake croquettes instead of frying?
No. Croquettes are designed for frying only. Baking won’t give the proper crisp or texture.
What are croquettes made of?
Catalina croquettes contain a creamy béchamel base combined with either ham, chicken, cheese, chorizo & cheese, or cod — then breaded and frozen for frying.
– More than a snack — a tradition in every bite.
