Crispy Buffalo Croquettes

Cubes of creamy gouda cheese are enrobed in seasoned ground buffalo and fried until crispy. Serve hot with a pineapple fruit salsa as an accompaniment.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound ground buffalo
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper (or to taste)
6 to 8 ounces Wisconsin Gouda cheese, in one piece
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups fine dry plain bread crumbs
1 cup vegetable or light olive oil for frying

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Season the ground buffalo with salt and pepper. Divide into 32 (1/2 ounce) portions.
   
3. Cut Gouda into 32 cubes.
   
4. Flatten each of the meat portions into a small patty. Place cheese cube in center and wrap meat around, forming a ball (be sure all the cheese is covered).
   
5. Place buttermilk in shallow bowl. Place bread crumbs on sheet of waxed paper. Roll each croquette in the buttermilk, then the crumbs.
   
6. Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the croquettes in batches. Drain on paper towels and place on large baking sheets.
   
7. Bake 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
8. Serve immediately.
   

Makes 32 appetizer servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.