El Five Goat Cheese Croquettas

A popular tapa on the El Five starter menu, the Goat Cheese Croquettas are a frequently ordered appetizer. A croquetta is a culinary preparation consisting of a small breaded and fried roll which traditionally contains a thick béchamel sauce as a binder for other ingredients. The El Five version is made with creamy goat cheese, fried until crisp, and served with Jamón Serrano, Marcona almonds, mint, and spruce tip honey. An order includes five pieces, with a price range of $14.00 to $18.00, and an extra croquetta can be added for $3.50.

Guest reviews often identify the Goat Cheese Croquettas as a favorite item and a highly recommended dish. Diners mention the texture contrast between the warm, soft goat cheese filling and the crispy fried coating as a key feature. The combination of the savory pork, the sweet honey, and the crunch from the almonds creates a balanced flavor profile that makes this appetizer a common choice. The dish is often compared to the Jamón & Manchego Croquetas at Barcelona Wine Bar and the Bacon-Wrapped Dates with goat cheese at Ultreia, two other popular Spanish-inspired restaurants in Denver.