Celebrate World Croquette Day with the seven strangest proposals from Zaragoza

The croquette is a dish that speaks of creativity. Its classic version, with Iberian ham, is an icon that never fails, but culinary innovation has taken this delicacy much further. From blue cheese or mushroom croquettes to reinterpretations with exotic ingredients such as curry prawns or chocolate, chefs’ imagination knows no bounds when it comes to bringing new combinations to life. This makes it one of the most versatile and exciting gastronomic proposals out there.

This Thursday, January 16, marks World Croquette Day, a tribute to this small but powerful morsel that has conquered palates around the world. Although its origin dates back to sophisticated French cuisine, the croquette has found a home in a multitude of gastronomic cultures, adapting and reinventing itself with the most diverse ingredients. Few recipes so masterfully combine the crunchiness of its exterior with the creaminess of its interior, making it one of the undisputed stars of the kitchen.

In Zaragoza, the love for croquettes has reached unsuspected levels, and the city’s restaurants compete to offer the most daring and original versions. On the occasion of World Croquette Day, we have explored Zaragoza’s kitchens to discover those that challenge tradition and opt for the unexpected.

From unusual flavours to unique presentations, these croquettes promise to surprise and delight food lovers. These are the seven strangest and most original croquettes you can try in Zaragoza to celebrate World Croquette Day:

THE MOST ORIGINAL CROQUETTES FROM ZARAGOZA

Jumpers Croquette

Although the Jumpers croquette from the El Truco bar has managed to go viral, it is one of the most creative creations that we can find in Zaragoza. This small bite encapsulates the essence of the iconic corn chips that marked the childhood of several generations. Presented in its own wrapper, the croquette has become one of the most original proposals in the city.

El Truco, located in the emblematic El Tubo neighborhood , is a reference point in the city, especially for those looking for gluten-free options . This bar specialized in celiacs has earned recognition for its innovation in the kitchen, presenting a wide range of croquettes suitable for all audiences.

Frankfurt croquette with mustard

At CroquetArte , one of Zaragoza’s croquette temples, innovation never ceases to surprise. Their Frankfurter croquette with mustard is a bold and unique creation that challenges those looking to try new and original flavours. The combination of the smoky flavour of Frankfurter sausage , made with pork and subjected to a delicate smoking process, together with the spicy and slightly bitter touch of a special mustard, is wrapped in a creamy bechamel sauce and CroquetArte’s characteristic crunchy coating.

CroquetArte is much more than just a restaurant; it is a tribute to the croquette in all its forms. With several locations in Zaragoza , this establishment stands out for its ability to surprise with unique combinations and flavours that escape the conventional. Its commitment to quality and creativity is reflected in each of its proposals, from the most traditional to the most daring, such as this Frankfurt croquette with mustard that has already won over the bravest of the brave.

Ramen Croquette

Located in El Tubo, the bar El Meli del Tubo stands out for its ability to bring international cuisine to the tapas format, and its ramen croquette is proof of this. This unique bite brings together the authentic flavours of ramen, combining an intense and aromatic broth with fried rice noodles that provide a surprising and crunchy texture. All of this is wrapped in a smooth and creamy bechamel, creating a fusion of gastronomic cultures that is irresistible.

Meli del Tubo is known for its innovative character and welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the most popular tapas spots in Zaragoza. Its commitment to fusing international flavours with the tradition of croquettes has established it as a benchmark for food lovers looking for something different. In this bar, each tapa is a unique experience, and the ramen croquette is no exception, proving that culinary creativity has no boundaries.

Knuckle croquette with Jägermeister

In the Valdespartera neighbourhood, the Dalaí bar surprises its diners with one of the most daring croquettes in Zaragoza: the knuckle with Jägermeister. This bite combines the creaminess and intense flavour of the knuckle with the spicy and herbal touch of the famous German liqueur. The mixture is perfectly balanced thanks to a smooth bechamel sauce that enhances the contrasts of flavours, while its crunchy coating provides the ideal texture. It is an original creation that invites you to try something completely different, perfect for the most curious palates.

Located in Valdespartera, El Dalaí has ​​earned a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and innovative approach to cuisine. At Dalai you will find a pleasant and exotic environment full of details that will transport you to faraway places.

Chicken croquette with chocolate

In the heart of El Tubo, Zaragoza’s iconic tapas district, the Doña Casta bar surprises the most curious palates with its chicken croquette with chocolate, a combination as daring as it is delicious. This creation fuses the best of Aragonese tradition with a touch of innovation that redefines the concept of a croquette. The softness of the chicken meat, cooked over a low heat to achieve a honeyed texture, meets the unexpected and slightly sweet touch of chocolate, resulting in a contrast of flavors that captivates from the first bite. This unique mix invites diners to explore new nuances in a classic dish.

Doña Casta , known for its mastery in the preparation of croquettes, has become a must-visit for lovers of good gastronomy in Zaragoza. Its commitment to creativity and the use of quality ingredients has given rise to a menu in which each croquette tells its own story. In the case of the chicken croquette with chocolate, the balance between tradition and modernity reflects the innovative spirit of this bar, which is not afraid to break molds to offer unforgettable gastronomic experiences. If you are looking for a tapa that combines the unexpected with the comforting, this is, without a doubt, a choice that will not leave you indifferent.

Bailey’s Triphase Croquette

The Jumpers croquette is not the only innovative proposal that the El Truco bar has . In 2024, its Baileys triphase croquette , known as “La Trifásica”, was awarded the prize for the best tapa suitable for celiacs in Zaragoza . This innovative creation stands out for its exquisite flavor that evokes the sweet and creamy nuances of a good triphase . The bechamel, enriched with the characteristic touch of Baileys liqueur, becomes a delicate bite that fuses the best of the croquette tradition with a daring foray into the world of sweet flavors.

La Trifásica not only triumphed in the gluten-free category, but was also a finalist in the competition for the most original tapa in Zaragoza, a recognition that underlines the innovative spirit of El Truco.

Snail croquette

At El Truco bar, creativity has no limits, and their snail croquette is the perfect example. This proposal combines the delicacy of snail meat with a creamy and perfectly spiced bechamel, achieving a bite that surprises and conquers even the most skeptical . It is a daring bet that pays homage to one of the most traditional ingredients of Aragonese cuisine, transforming it into a unique and irresistible tapa.

The snail croquette at El Truco stands out not only for its flavour, but also for its texture and its completely gluten-free preparation , like all the creations at this bar specialising in offering options suitable for coeliacs.

The croquette has evolved from a simple appetizer to a true culinary work of art. In Zaragoza , chefs dare to explore new flavors, combinations and presentations, taking this delicacy to an unparalleled level of creativity. From the Jumpers croquette to the knuckle croquette with Jägermeister, each proposal reflects the city’s love for innovation and quality gastronomy . On this World Croquette Day , we celebrate not only tradition, but also the spirit of reinvention that keeps the magic of this constantly changing snack alive.