croquette

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Croquettes, fritters, fish cakes, and patties are all foods made from chopped ingredients and fried, but they differ in shape and coating. A croquette is typically round or oval and coated in breadcrumbs before deep-frying, giving it a crisp outer layer. A fritter is coated in batter rather than breadcrumbs and can be made from vegetables, fruit, or seafood. A fish cake is flatter and patty-shaped, often containing mashed potato and fish. A patty is a flat, round portion of minced meat, vegetables, or fish that may be grilled or pan-fried rather than deep-fried. For example, you might order chicken croquettes as a starter, corn fritters as a snack, salmon fish cakes for a light meal, and a beef patty in a burger.

Common collocations

Etymology

Borrowed from French croquette, itself from croquer meaning 'to crunch' — referring to the crisp sound made when biting into the fried coating. The word entered English in the early 18th century alongside French cooking techniques.