Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy bite? If you’re in the mood for something comforting, savory, and irresistibly crispy, then potato cheese croquettes are your answer. These golden, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, little treats are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Combining the rich flavors of creamy mashed potatoes with melty cheese, these croquettes are a treat for both adults and kids alike.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a simple yet satisfying snack, potato cheese croquettes deliver on both flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to make! In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing crispy, gooey, and flavorful potato cheese croquettes that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few kitchen staples that you likely already have. Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 medium-sized potatoes (about 400g)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, for a sharper taste)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnishing.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create crispy, cheesy potato croquettes from scratch:

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling and boiling the potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes before mashing them.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are slightly cooled, mash them thoroughly using a potato masher or a fork. The smoother the mash, the better the croquettes will hold together. If you prefer a silky smooth texture, feel free to use a hand mixer or a food processor for a finer mash.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasoning

While the mashed potatoes are still warm, add in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the potatoes. This creates a creamy and cheesy mixture that will form the base of your croquettes.

Step 4: Shape the Croquettes

Once the potato mixture has cooled down enough to handle, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per croquette) and shape them into small logs or balls, depending on your preference. Roll the mixture between your palms to ensure that each croquette is compact and uniform in shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Coating Station

Set up a breading station with three separate bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: A beaten egg
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for an extra crispy texture)
First, roll each potato croquette in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Step 6: Fry the Croquettes

Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough. Carefully place the croquettes into the oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the croquettes are fried, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy your crispy potato cheese croquettes while they’re still warm!

Conservation and Storage

To make sure your potato cheese croquettes stay fresh and crispy, proper storage is key:

Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, allow the croquettes to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for 2-3 days. When reheating, try using the oven or air fryer to regain some of the original crispiness.
Freezing: If you want to make a large batch of croquettes in advance, you can freeze them. Once you’ve shaped the croquettes and breaded them, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours. After they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply fry them directly from the freezer—just make sure to cook them a little longer, about 5-6 minutes per side.

Variations

While the classic potato cheese croquette is hard to beat, there are several ways you can get creative with this recipe:

Add Protein: Incorporate some cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even ground beef into the mashed potato mixture for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
Vegetarian Spin: Add finely chopped spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the mashed potato mixture for a more vibrant, veggie-packed version.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese—cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese—for a new flavor profile. You can also add a combination of cheeses for a more complex taste.
Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes, making it a perfect treat for those who love a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Potato cheese croquettes can be served in many ways, whether as a snack or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas:

As a Snack: Serve croquettes as a quick and easy snack for parties, picnics, or game days. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mustard.
With Salad: Serve the croquettes alongside a fresh green salad to create a balanced meal. The crispiness of the croquettes pairs well with a light, tangy vinaigrette.
With Soup: Potato cheese croquettes make a perfect side dish for a bowl of hot soup, such as tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup.
As a Side Dish: Include croquettes as part of a larger meal. They go well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even pasta dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy & Crispy Potato Cheese Croquettes are a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these croquettes are bound to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With a crispy exterior, melty cheese center, and endless customization options, these croquettes are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and indulge in these cheesy, crispy delights!

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Easy & Crispy Potato Cheese Croquettes Recipe: A Perfect Snack for Every Occasion

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12-14 croquettes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy & Crispy Potato Cheese Croquettes are the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion. With a crunchy golden exterior and a soft, cheesy center, they are guaranteed to please your taste buds. Made with mashed potatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and simple seasonings, these croquettes are both comforting and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cheesy treat, these croquettes deliver on flavor and texture every time.

Ingredients

2 medium-sized potatoes (about 400g)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper flavor)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)

Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer. The smoother the mash, the better the croquettes will hold together.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasoning

While the potatoes are still warm, mix in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Croquettes

Once the potato mixture has cooled enough to handle, form small logs or balls (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each) by rolling the mixture between your palms. Ensure the croquettes are compact to prevent them from falling apart during frying.

Step 5: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three bowls for breading:

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: A beaten egg
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

Roll each croquette first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Step 6: Fry the Croquettes

Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot, drop a small piece of bread in it—it should sizzle immediately. Fry the croquettes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all croquettes are fried, place them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or spicy aioli. Enjoy the croquettes while they’re still warm!

Notes

Texture Tip: Ensure the potatoes are mashed smoothly for better consistency and easier shaping.

Flavor Boost: Add some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the mashed potato mixture for an added burst of flavor.

Make Ahead: You can freeze the croquettes before frying. Shape the croquettes, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen—just allow for a slightly longer cooking time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack / Appetizer / Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Global (comfort food)