Potato Croquettes

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Elevate your dinner parties, game day, or holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas with Potato Croquettes!

This is not just another potato recipe, it’s a culinary sensation, bringing a delightful twist as a party/game day appetizer or a holiday side dish.

This potato recipe gives the traditional mashed potatoes a delightful twist, making it perfect for game day or any festive occasion.

The combination of russet potatoes, white cheddar cheese, and leftover holiday meat like holiday leftover ham or turkey, along with other pantry staple ingredients, makes a mouthwatering stuffed appetizer that’s not only tasty but also versatile.

This easy recipe with simple steps is sure to be a hit.

Dive into this easy-to-make Potato Croquettes recipe which is sure to elevate your mealtime and leave everyone asking for more!

Why are Potato Croquettes a “Must-Try”

Potato Croquettes are an innovative way to utilize pantry staple ingredients and leftover holiday meat, making them an essential part of your holiday leftover Ham or Turkey repertoire.

Here’s why you need to try this satisfying snack:

• Party/Game Day Appetizer: This dish, with its crispy outside and soft interior, is perfect for game day.
• Versatility: These can be a sumptuous accompaniment to a main meal or stand alone as a hearty snack.
• Make Croquette Ahead of Time: Ideal for planning, these croquettes can be prepared in advance, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience during your gatherings.
• Utilizing Leftovers: An excellent way to use leftover holiday ham or turkey, turning them into a delightful stuffed appetizer.

Potato Croquettes Ingredients

(Refer to the recipe card for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

• Russet Potatoes: The base of the dish.
• Butter & Milk: Gives the mashed potatoes a creamy texture.
• Creole Seasoning & Chopped Green Onions: Adding flavor and a spicy kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Gives a rich cheesy depth.
• Leftover Ham: A great use for your holiday leftovers.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: For seasoning.
• All-Purpose Flour, Eggs, Cracker Crumbs: For the crispy outer layer.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy bite inside.

Potato Croquettes Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this mouth-watering delicacy:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut the russet potatoes into even-sized pieces. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Drain the boiled potatoes well. Mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. Mixing in Fillings: Gently fold in the creole seasoning, chopped green onions, parmesan cheese, and leftover ham, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Forming Croquettes: Once the potato mixture is well-combined, shape it into small, bite-sized cylinders or balls.
5. Breading the Croquettes: First, roll each croquette in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Dip them in beaten eggs and finally, coat them evenly with cracker crumbs.
6. Frying: Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, carefully place the breaded croquettes into the oil, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serving: Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Potato Croquettes!

The Perfect Addition to Various Occasions

Whether you are hosting dinner parties or looking for something unique for game day, these Potato Croquettes are a fantastic choice.

Their ability to be a crowd-pleaser and a satisfying snack makes them ideal for various occasions, including holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Gluten-Free Potato Croquettes: Ensure that your croquettes are gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for breading and opting for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This variation is great for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Japanese Korokke-Style Potato Croquettes: Inspired by the Japanese Korokke, you could season your mashed potatoes lightly with salt and pepper and coat them with Panko breadcrumbs before frying. Serve with Tonkatsu sauce for an authentic experience.
• Vegan Potato Croquettes: Make your croquettes vegan-friendly by omitting the ham and cheese. Use plant-based milk and butter for the mashed potatoes. For the breading, use a vegan egg substitute, like a flax egg, and ensure your breadcrumbs are vegan.
• Dutch-Style Potato Croquettes (Kroketten): Inspired by the Netherlands, create traditional Dutch kroketten. These croquettes often encompass a creamy, meaty filling. Serve it alongside a mustard dip for an authentic Dutch snack or accompaniment to a main meal. Adding this variation will bring a touch of Dutch authenticity to your list of Potato Croquette variations.

Make Croquette Ahead of Time and Storage

Making Ahead

Potato Croquettes can be prepared ahead of time to make your dinner parties or game days run more smoothly.

• You can shape the croquettes and do the breading a few hours before the event, and leave them refrigerated.
• Just fry them up when you’re ready to serve.

This method ensures that you serve hot, fresh croquettes to your guests, enhancing their dining experience.

Storage

• Fridge: Place any leftover croquettes in an airtight container, ensuring they are cooled first. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the croquettes. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the croquettes on a lined baking tray for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their crispy exterior.
• Microwave: For a quicker reheating option, you can use a microwave. Heat the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate at intervals of 30 seconds until they are heated through. However, they may not retain their crispy texture with this method.

This process will ensure that your Potato Croquettes remain a satisfying snack or a delightful party/game day appetizer, even when made ahead or reheated after storage.

FAQ Section

Can Potato Croquettes be made vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham. For a vegan version, omit the ham and cheese, and use vegan substitutes for butter and eggs in the recipe.

Can I bake the Potato Croquettes instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the croquettes at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Baking is a healthier alternative to frying.

What type of potatoes is best used for croquettes?

Russet potatoes are ideal for croquettes due to their high starch content, which helps in creating a fluffy interior after mashing.

Are Potato Croquettes gluten-free?

Traditional Potato Croquettes are not gluten-free due to the flour and breadcrumbs used in the breading process. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Other Potato Recipes to Try!

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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