Potato croquettes are a delightful and crispy treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish. These golden-brown morsels are made from mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and parsley, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Most of the ingredients for potato croquettes are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep grated cheese or chopped parsley on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Fresh parsley is usually found in the produce section, while grated cheese can be found in the dairy aisle.
Ingredients For Potato Croquettes Recipe
Mashed potatoes: These form the base of the croquettes, providing a creamy texture.
Bread crumbs: Used to coat the croquettes, giving them a crispy exterior.
Beaten egg: Helps the bread crumbs adhere to the croquettes.
Grated cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the potato mixture.
Chopped parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note that complements the potatoes and cheese.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Oil for frying: Necessary for cooking the croquettes to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When shaping the croquettes, ensure your hands are slightly damp to prevent the mashed potatoes from sticking. This will help you form smooth, even balls or patties. Additionally, for an extra crispy exterior, consider double-coating by dipping the croquettes in the beaten egg and bread crumbs twice before frying.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed sweet potatoes: They provide a similar texture but add a slightly sweeter flavor and more nutrients.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower mash: For a lower-carb option, cauliflower mash offers a similar consistency.
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving the croquettes a different texture.
bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: They provide a crunchy coating and a slightly sweet flavor.
beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: For a vegan option, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
beaten egg - Substitute with aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be used as an egg substitute, especially for binding.
grated cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.
grated cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese shreds can replace regular cheese for those avoiding dairy.
chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor as an alternative.
chopped parsley - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the croquettes.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can replace black pepper.
oil for frying - Substitute with baking: Instead of frying, bake the croquettes at 400°F for a healthier option.
oil for frying - Substitute with air frying: Air frying uses less oil and still provides a crispy texture.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze Your Croquettes
Allow the potato croquettes to cool completely after frying. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. This step is crucial to prevent them from sticking together.
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the croquettes freeze until they are solid, usually about 2-3 hours. This initial freezing step is known as flash freezing.
Once the croquettes are frozen solid, remove them from the baking sheet and transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
When ready to enjoy, you can reheat the frozen croquettes directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the croquettes on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat refrigerated croquettes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.
Avoid microwaving the croquettes, as this can make them lose their crispy texture and become soggy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potato croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps retain their crunchy texture.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the potato croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help maintain their crispiness.
On the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is great for a quick and crispy reheat.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the mashed potatoes, grated cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Fork: Useful for mixing the ingredients together thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, and grated cheese.
Measuring spoons: Handy for measuring smaller quantities like salt and pepper.
Chopping board: A surface for chopping the parsley.
Knife: Used to finely chop the parsley.
Plate: To hold the beaten egg for dipping the croquettes.
Whisk: To beat the egg until it's well mixed.
Frying pan: Used to heat the oil and fry the croquettes.
Spatula: For flipping the croquettes to ensure they are golden brown on all sides.
Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried croquettes.
Tongs: Useful for handling the croquettes while frying and transferring them to the paper towels.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop parsley and grate cheese ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use pre-made mashed potatoes: Save time by using leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes.
Set up a breading station: Arrange beaten egg and bread crumbs in separate bowls for easy dipping.
Heat oil while shaping: Start heating the oil as you form the croquettes to save time.
Fry in batches: Fry multiple croquettes at once to reduce cooking time.
Potato Croquettes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup grated cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- 3. Dip each ball or patty into the beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- 4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Fry the croquettes until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 6. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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