Croquettes are small, breaded and fried food items that are typically filled with a mixture of ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese. They are often shaped into small cylinders or balls and have a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Croquettes are popular in many cuisines around the world, including Spanish, French, and Japanese. The preparation of croquettes usually involves cooking the filling, mixing it with a binding agent like mashed potatoes or béchamel sauce, and then coating the shaped mixture in breadcrumbs before frying. They are commonly served as appetizers or snacks and can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces.