Cheese Croquettes Recipe
If you have ever found yourself craving a crispy, golden delight that bursts with gooey cheese on the inside, then you are going to fall absolutely in love with these Cheese Croquettes. This irresistible treat combines creamy mashed potatoes with melted mozzarella, all wrapped in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a comforting snack, an appetizer for a dinner party, or just a special indulgence, Cheese Croquettes bring a wonderful balance of textures and rich flavors that make every bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the perfect Cheese Croquettes, each contributing to the dish’s creamy, crispy, and cheesy magic.
- Russet potatoes (2 lb): The starchy potatoes create a fluffy, hearty base for the croquette filling.
- Garlic (4 cloves, smashed): Adds a subtle aromatic depth that elevates the potato flavor.
- Salt (2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and seasons both the potatoes and the coating.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup): Contributes a silky creaminess that keeps the croquettes moist and rich.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a lovely buttery aroma and smooth texture.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the cheese.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the ingredients and creates the egg wash for the crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the egg wash to help breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs (2 cups): Provide the golden, crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
- Mozzarella (cubed into 1-inch): The melty, stringy heart of each croquette that’s pure cheesy heaven.
How to Make Cheese Croquettes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and chop your potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Place them into a large pot with smashed garlic cloves and two tablespoons of salt. Cover everything with cold water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. This process ensures the potatoes are soft enough for mashing without becoming watery.
Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes, removing the garlic cloves as you go. While still warm, add the cream cheese, butter, and a dash of black pepper. Mash everything together, making sure to leave some chunks—it’s the texture that makes these croquettes incredibly satisfying. The cream cheese and butter melt into the potatoes, creating an indulgent base that holds the cheese inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, and one teaspoon of salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs cling perfectly. Pour your breadcrumbs into another shallow bowl, ready for coating.
Step 4: Form the Croquettes
Take a half-cup ball of mashed potato in your hand, then press a cube of mozzarella deep into its center. Carefully mold the potato around the cheese to seal it completely. Next, dip this ball into the egg wash, then roll it generously in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process until all your potato mixture is used up, creating perfectly shaped, cheese-filled croquettes.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil, frying them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they become beautifully golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cheese Croquettes
Garnishes
Cheese Croquettes are delightful on their own, but you can enhance their presentation and flavor by adding fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of sea salt flakes can also elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These croquettes pair beautifully with crisp salads that bring brightness and crunch. Think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. They also work well alongside tangy dipping sauces, such as spicy ketchup, creamy aioli, or even a smoky barbecue sauce for a fun twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, present Cheese Croquettes on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper. Surround them with small bowls of dipping sauces and colorful veggies for a vibrant spread. Another fun idea is to serve them atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheese Croquettes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to keep the crispy exterior from becoming soggy.
Freezing
To freeze Cheese Croquettes, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together and will maintain their shape. Frozen croquettes can be kept for up to three months, making them an excellent make-ahead snack.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Cheese Croquettes and preserve their crispy crust is by baking them in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. For an extra crisp finish, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses for the filling?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that perfect melty stretchiness, you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack to suit your taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy center.
Do Cheese Croquettes need to be fried?
Frying gives these croquettes their signature crispy crust and golden color, but you can also bake them for a lighter version. Just spray with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the potato mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potato mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before forming the croquettes to make shaping easier.
What is the best potato to use?
Russet potatoes work great due to their high starch content, giving fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon gold is another excellent choice, offering a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
How do I prevent croquettes from falling apart during frying?
Make sure to fully seal the cheese inside the mashed potatoes and properly coat each croquette with the egg wash and breadcrumbs. Also, frying at the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) helps them cook evenly without breaking.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Croquettes are truly a comfort food treasure, bringing together crispy, creamy, and cheesy in every bite. They are fun to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to enjoy any time you want a little indulgence. I encourage you to try making these at home—you’ll find they have a wonderful way of turning any ordinary day into a special occasion. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Cheese Croquettes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10–12 croquettes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheese Croquettes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, made with mashed potatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese centers. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they deliver a comforting, cheesy bite with a crunchy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 lb Russet potatoes (or Yukon gold), about 4 potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons salt (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Coating
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Filling
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for 1 inch depth frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot with the smashed garlic and 2 tablespoons salt. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and remove the garlic cloves. Add cream cheese, butter, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash until combined but still slightly chunky to maintain texture.
- Make Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth to create a batter for coating.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish, ready for dredging the croquettes.
- Form Croquettes: Take about 1/2 cup of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center, then mold the potatoes around the cheese to form a ball or oval-shaped croquette.
- Coat Croquettes: Dip each croquette into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in breadcrumbs to cover completely. Repeat with remaining potato mixture and cheese.
- Fry Croquettes: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C), about 1 inch deep. Fry croquettes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towel.
- Serve: Serve hot with gravy, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use Russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.
- Ensure oil temperature is stable at 350°F to get a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overmix the mashed potatoes to keep croquettes light and fluffy inside.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 croquettes (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Cheese croquettes, mashed potato croquettes, fried potato balls, mozzarella croquettes, appetizer recipe
