Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese

Introduction

Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese are crispy, golden bites of mashed potatoes filled with gooey cheese, creating the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures. The croquettes are made by mixing mashed potatoes with cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then shaping them into small, bite-sized balls or logs. They are baked to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. These croquettes make for a great appetizer, snack, or side dish.

The first time I made these, I was looking for a fun way to use leftover mashed potatoes, and these croquettes quickly became a favorite! The melted cheese in the center makes each bite extra indulgent, while the crispy outer layer adds a satisfying crunch. What I love most about Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese is how customizable they are—you can use any cheese you like, add in beef bacon or herbs for extra flavor, or even serve them with a dipping sauce. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or when you want a comforting snack!

Perfect for:

Party appetizers
Family dinners
Potlucks
Game nights
Potato and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese will be your new favorite:

Crispy on the Outside: Baked until golden, these croquettes deliver a satisfying crunch without the need for frying.
Cheesy Surprise: Every bite reveals a gooey, melted cheese center that’s utterly irresistible.
Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying makes these croquettes a lighter indulgence.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal.
Great for Leftovers: A creative way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy center and crispy texture.
Customizable Fillings: Swap in different cheeses or add herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare and freeze ahead for quick snacks anytime.
Perfect for Sharing: These croquettes are an instant hit at gatherings and parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 croquettes
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Croquettes:

2 cups mashed potatoes (room temperature)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

1 large egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or spraying)

Optional Add-ins:

Chopped fresh parsley
Cooked and crumbled beef bacon
Diced green onions

Ingredient Highlights

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base for the croquettes.
Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey center.
Breadcrumbs: Create a crisp, golden crust when baked.
Olive Oil: A light brush of oil ensures an even, golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potato Mixture:

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan, egg yolk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape Croquettes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball or log, and press a small cube of cheese into the center. Seal and shape it again.

Coat the Croquettes:

Prepare Coating Stations: Place the beaten egg in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another.
Dip and Coat: Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Bake the Croquettes:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange and Brush: Place the croquettes on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray them with olive oil.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese:

As an Appetizer: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
With Soup: Pair with tomato soup or creamy mushroom soup for a comforting meal.
In a Snack Platter: Add to a platter with veggie sticks, crackers, and dips.
For Breakfast: Enjoy alongside eggs and beef bacon for a hearty breakfast.
With Salad: Serve as a side to a fresh green or Caesar salad.
For Game Night: Share with friends as a tasty finger food.
With Gravy: Top with gravy for a fun twist on mashed potatoes and gravy.
As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
In a Lunchbox: Pack as a treat in lunchboxes for kids or adults.
With Spicy Sauce: Serve with Sriracha mayo or spicy ketchup for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for croquettes, as they mash easily and hold their shape well.
Drain Potatoes Thoroughly: After boiling, let the potatoes cool and drain completely to avoid excess moisture, which can make the croquettes fall apart.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mashed potato mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping—it makes handling much easier.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gruyere for a gooey center. For a tangy kick, add a bit of feta or goat cheese.
Season Generously: Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs for a flavor boost. Don’t forget salt and pepper!
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: Roll the croquettes in breadcrumbs twice for a thicker, crispier coating after dipping in the egg wash.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier exterior compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Bake on a Rack: Place the croquettes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for even airflow and crispier results.
Spritz with Oil: Lightly spray the croquettes with cooking oil before baking to enhance their golden-brown color and crunch.
Serve with Dips: Pair your croquettes with dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or sour cream for added flavor and variety.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Croquettes: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the potato mixture.
Herb-Infused Croquettes: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill for added flavor.
Loaded Potato Croquettes: Add beef bacon bits, chives, and sour cream to the mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
Sweet Potato Croquettes: Swap mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Stuffed Croquettes: Add fillings like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked spinach.
Cheese-Only Center: Use a larger cube of cheese for an extra gooey surprise.
Mini Croquettes: Shape smaller balls for bite-sized appetizers.
Air-Fried Croquettes: Cook in an air fryer for an even crispier result.
Cheddar-Broccoli Croquettes: Mix in finely chopped, cooked broccoli and cheddar cheese.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: For baking the croquettes evenly.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Small Scoop: Ensures uniform croquette sizes.
Pastry Brush: For lightly brushing olive oil.
Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and setting up coating stations.
Cooling Rack: For keeping croquettes crisp after baking.

FAQ Section

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they are thick and not too runny.
Can I fry the croquettes instead of baking?
Absolutely! Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze uncooked croquettes?
Yes, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat croquettes?
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture.
Can I skip the cheese filling?
Yes, but the cheese adds a delightful surprise.
What breadcrumbs are best?
Panko breadcrumbs yield the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
Can I make these vegan?
Use plant-based cheese, egg substitutes, and vegan mashed potatoes.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Try garlic aioli, honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or tzatziki.

Conclusion

Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese are a crispy, golden treat that combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with the indulgence of melted cheese. These croquettes are made by mashing baked potatoes and mixing them with cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice), herbs, and seasonings. Once shaped into bite-sized rounds or cylinders, they are baked to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while the inside remains soft and cheesy.

The addition of cheese makes these croquettes extra creamy and savory, and they’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or a spicy ketchup for extra flavor. These baked croquettes are a lighter alternative to the fried version but still deliver all the crispy, cheesy goodness!

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Potato Croquettes with Cheese turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!