Spinach Croquettes with Greek Yogurt Sauce
Imported from Instagram
45 minEasy4 servings

Spinach Croquettes with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Crispy and tender spinach croquettes baked to perfection, served with a zesty Greek yogurt and za'atar dip. A fun and kid-friendly way to enjoy spinach.

Mise turned a cooking video on Instagram into this written step-by-step recipe — 17 ingredients, 8 steps, 45 min, with a generated photo for every step.

Time45min
LevelEasy
Servings4
Method 8 steps
01

Steam the frozen spinach until cooked. Transfer to a strainer and use a fork to press out as much water as possible.

02

Transfer the drained spinach to a bowl. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, flour, finely chopped fresh dill, and the eggs. Mix thoroughly.

03

Stir the grated cheese into the spinach mixture until well combined.

04

Form the spinach mixture into small patties or balls and coat them evenly in breadcrumbs.

05

Place the coated croquettes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spray or drizzle them with olive oil.

06

Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes until golden and crispy.

07

While the croquettes bake, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, zaatar, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, Espelette pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well.

08

Serve the warm spinach croquettes with the Greek yogurt dipping sauce.

Mise app icon

Cook it hands-free.

Open this recipe in Mise for full-screen steps, a photo for each one, and built-in timers — no scrubbing through the video.

Open in Mise →
Scan to download
Point your camera here
Notes

These spinach croquettes balance a soft, herb-flecked interior with a crisp, oven-baked breadcrumb shell. The success of the texture relies entirely on the thorough removal of moisture from the steamed greens, preventing the patties from becoming soggy or falling apart during baking. This fusion snack works well as a light appetizer or a vegetable-focused side dish, offering a savory profile brightened by fresh dill and the warm, earthy notes of nutmeg. The accompanying dip provides a cool, creamy contrast with the citrusy punch of lemon and za'atar.

Expect a snack that is substantial yet light. The baking process at a steady heat ensures the exterior achieves a golden hue without the heaviness of deep-frying. The addition of grated cheese inside the mixture acts as a binder while contributing a subtle richness. Served warm, these croquettes represent a versatile way to present greens, focusing on a clean finish and a well-balanced spice profile that suits both casual snacking and structured meals.

Before you start

  • When straining the steamed spinach, press until no more liquid droplets emerge. Excessive moisture causes the croquettes to lose their shape and prevents the breadcrumbs from crisping.
  • The croquette mixture should be tacky but hold its form. If the dough feels too wet to shape into balls, let it rest for five minutes for the flour to hydrate.
  • Space the patties at least two centimeters apart on the baking tray. Crowding creates steam, which results in a soft, pale crust rather than a firm, golden exterior.
  • Wait for the oven to reach the full 190 degrees Celsius before sliding the tray in. A cold start leads to greasy croquettes that stick to the parchment paper.

Swaps that work

  • Replace 15 grams of breadcrumbs with an equal amount of panko to create a crunchier, more irregular texture on the outer crust.
  • Substitute the 20 grams of grated cheese with crumbled feta to lean further into Mediterranean flavors while adding a sharper, saltier bite.
  • Use 150 grams of fresh baby spinach instead of frozen. Sauté it briefly until wilted before squeezing out the moisture as directed.

Keeping it

These croquettes are best consumed immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast between the crisp crust and soft center. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for five to eight minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breadcrumbs rubbery. They can be frozen after baking for up to one month.

Questions

Why did my croquettes fall apart or turn out mushy?

Mushy croquettes are usually caused by residual water in the spinach. If the leaves are not squeezed completely dry, the moisture releases during baking and dissolves the flour binder. Ensure the spinach feels like a dry clump before mixing it with the eggs and flour to maintain structural integrity.

Can I prepare the spinach mixture ahead of time?

You can prepare the spinach and cheese mixture up to twelve hours in advance and store it in the fridge. However, do not coat the patties in breadcrumbs until just before baking. Applying the breadcrumbs too early allows them to absorb moisture from the batter, which ruins the final crunch.

Is the yogurt sauce spicy due to the peppers?

The sauce has a very mild heat. The paprika and Espelette pepper provide more of a smoky, fruity depth than a sharp burn. If you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the Espelette pepper entirely without affecting the texture of the dip, as the za'atar provides the primary flavor profile.

More recipes
Cook step-by-step in Mise →