Name: Potato Croquettes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds potatoes (such as Russet), peeled and cubed; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 large egg; 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes; 4 ounces provolone cheese, cut into small cubes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended); Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup sour cream; 2 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

These Potato Croquettes are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for a party appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a comforting side dish. Creamy mashed potatoes are filled with a cheesy center, coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, and then fried until golden brown. They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Textured: These croquettes offer a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes, a cheesy center, and a crispy outer layer.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these croquettes are surprisingly easy to prepare.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish with your favorite meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Potato Croquettes:

For the Croquettes:

Potatoes: Such as Russet potatoes, cut into cubes for boiling.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth mashed potato mixture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Bacon: Chopped and cooked until crispy, adds a smoky and salty flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color.
Cheddar cheese and provolone cheese: Cut into cubes, for a melty and cheesy filling.
All-purpose flour: Used to coat the croquettes before dipping in the egg mixture.
Eggs: Beaten, used to create an egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
Breadcrumbs: Preferably Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier crust.
Vegetable oil: For frying the croquettes.

For the Dip:

Sour cream: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the dip.
Bacon: Chopped and cooked until crispy, adds a smoky and salty flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Potato Croquettes

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes and Bacon

Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon until crispy. If making the dip, fry all the bacon together and reserve ¼ cup for the dip.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes and add them to a large bowl. Add the butter, salt, pepper, milk, and egg, and mash using a potato masher or a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the chopped bacon and parsley.

Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up a dredging station with three shallow plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. You can season the flour and eggs with additional salt and pepper, and even add some smoked paprika to the flour for a smoky flavor.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Croquettes

Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop out portions of the mashed potato mixture. Flatten each portion in your hand and place a cheese cube in the center. Fold the mashed potato around the cheese to enclose it completely, then shape the croquette into a ball or cylinder. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Dredge and Fry

Roll each croquette in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot to about 350°F (177°C). Fry the croquettes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Dip (Optional)

To make the dip, combine the sour cream, reserved chopped bacon, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Potato Croquettes warm with the dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content and will create fluffy mashed potatoes.
Chill the croquettes (optional): If you’re concerned about the croquettes holding their shape during frying, you can chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour before frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy croquettes. Fry in batches to ensure crispiness.

How to Serve Potato Croquettes

Appetizer: These Potato Croquettes are perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Side Dish: Serve them as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Snack: Enjoy them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Make Ahead:

You can make the croquettes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry or bake.

FAQs

Can I bake these croquettes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Can I use different cheeses for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère.

Can I make these croquettes vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan butter and cheese substitutes, and a plant-based milk or cream substitute for the mashed potatoes. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as an egg substitute.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Potato Croquettes that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!