Mashed Potato Croquettes

Introduction

Mashed Potato Croquettes are crispy, golden bites of creamy mashed potatoes, lightly seasoned and fried to perfection. They’re made by combining leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional add-ins like cheese, herbs, or cooked beef bacon. The mixture is shaped into small rounds or logs, coated in breadcrumbs, and cooked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These croquettes are a delicious way to transform leftovers into a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

The first time I made these, I was searching for a creative way to elevate leftover mashed potatoes, and they turned out to be a delightful treat! The contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy, flavorful interior is irresistible. What I love most about Mashed Potato Croquettes is their versatility—you can add your favorite seasonings, stuff them with cheese, or pair them with sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream, or marinara. They’re a fun and easy dish that’s sure to please any crowd!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Holiday feasts
Game day snacks
Party appetizers
Potato lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Mashed Potato Croquettes will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: A crunchy exterior encases a soft and fluffy potato center.
Versatile Flavoring: Easily customize with cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: A perfect way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes.
Kid-Friendly: These croquettes are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and fry when needed.
Customizable Size: Make them bite-sized for appetizers or larger as a side dish.
Pairs with Any Dip: Serve with ketchup, ranch, aioli, or your favorite sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 croquettes (serves 4-6)
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

For the Croquettes:

2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Coating:

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Oil, for frying

Optional Garnish:

Chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base for these croquettes.
Breadcrumbs: Create a perfectly crispy exterior.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
Parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potato Mixture:

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Form Croquettes: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small cylinders or balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

Coat the Croquettes:

Set Up Breading Station: Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
Bread the Croquettes: Roll each croquette in flour, dip into beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat for all croquettes.

Fry the Croquettes:

Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry in Batches: Fry croquettes in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Drain Excess Oil: Remove croquettes with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mashed Potato Croquettes:

With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
As a Side Dish: Pair with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup or creamy mushroom soup.
As Party Snacks: Add them to an appetizer platter with sliders and wings.
With Salad: Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal.
At Brunch: Pair with eggs and beef bacon for a hearty brunch option.
With Cheese Sauce: Drizzle with warm cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
For Kids: Serve with a side of carrot or cucumber sticks.
As a Sandwich Filling: Use as a crispy filling in wraps or sandwiches.
For Game Day: Enjoy with other finger foods during the big game.

Additional Tips

Use Starchy Potatoes: Opt for russet potatoes as they give a fluffier texture to the mashed potatoes, which is ideal for croquettes.
Let Mashed Potatoes Cool: After mashing the potatoes, let them cool completely. This helps them firm up, making it easier to shape the croquettes without them falling apart.
Add Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped herbs, garlic powder, or grated cheese into the mashed potatoes for added flavor before shaping them.
Egg Wash for Crispy Coating: Dip the croquettes in an egg wash (beaten eggs) before coating them in breadcrumbs. This will create a crisp, golden exterior when fried.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, dip the croquettes in egg wash, then breadcrumbs, and repeat the process for a double coating.
Chill Before Frying: If you’re having trouble with the croquettes falling apart, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying. This will help them hold their shape.
Use a Frying Thermometer: Fry the croquettes at 350°F (175°C) to ensure they cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the croquettes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
Experiment with Fillings: Mix in fillings like beef ham, beef bacon, or vegetables for a unique twist on the classic mashed potato croquette.
Serve with Dips: Pair your croquettes with sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or even a tangy mustard dip for added flavor and variety.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Center: Stuff each croquette with a cube of mozzarella or cream cheese for a melty surprise.
Spicy Croquettes: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
Herbaceous Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a unique flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for coating.
Vegan Croquettes: Replace egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture, and use vegan cheese.
Sweet Potato Version: Swap mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier option.

Special Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl – For combining mashed potatoes, ingredients, and seasoning.
Food Processor – For mashing potatoes smoothly if you want a finer texture.
Frying Pan or Deep Fryer – For frying the croquettes to a crispy golden brown.
Shallow Dish – To dredge croquettes in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Ice Cream Scoop or Cookie Scoop – To form even, uniform croquettes.
Tongs – For carefully flipping and removing croquettes from the oil.
Cooling Rack – To drain excess oil after frying and keep the croquettes crispy.
Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Rubber Spatula – For mixing and scraping out ingredients without wasting any.
Thermometer – To check the temperature of the oil for frying (around 350°F or 175°C).

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape and bread the croquettes a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Can I freeze the croquettes?
Absolutely! Freeze breaded croquettes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
How do I make them less greasy?
Drain fried croquettes on a paper towel or cooling rack immediately after frying.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a healthier option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and warm.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mix in finely chopped cooked carrots, peas, or corn for added texture.
What’s the best way to shape them?
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized croquettes, then roll into your desired shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.
Are these spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add spices like paprika or chili flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Mashed Potato Croquettes are a crispy and satisfying way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious snack or side dish. These croquettes are made by combining creamy mashed potatoes with ingredients like cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then shaping them into small patties or logs. They’re coated in breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior and fried or baked to golden perfection.

The soft, fluffy interior contrasts beautifully with the crisp outer layer, making these croquettes a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. You can customize them by adding mix-ins like beef bacon, green onions, or even chopped vegetables to suit your taste. Serve them with dipping sauces like sour cream, ketchup, or a tangy aioli for an extra burst of flavor.

I can’t wait to see how your Mashed Potato Croquettes 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!