Crispy Cheesy Potato Croquettes
Transform your leftovers into a delectable treat with these Crispy Cheesy Potato Croquettes. Perfectly golden-brown on the outside and soft on the inside, these delicious bites are enhanced with the rich flavor of garlic and gooey sharp cheddar cheese. They make an ideal appetizer, side dish, or snack for any occasion. Share them with friends and family, and watch as they disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leftover mashed potatoes
2 cups (plain, chilled from previous use)
Minced garlic or garlic powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6-10 ounces (freshly grated)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Crushed corn flakes
2 cups (for coating)
Vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, minced garlic or garlic powder, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
2
Using your hands, roll the mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter.
3
In a shallow dish, beat the egg and set aside. In another bowl, place the crushed corn flakes for coating.
4
Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it's coated evenly.
5
Next, roll the egg-coated potato ball in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently to adhere the flakes to the surface.
6
In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan and come halfway up the sides of the potato balls.
7
Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
8
Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
Serve the Crispy Cheesy Potato Croquettes hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
9.375g
Carbs
3.125g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cheesy Potato Croquettes?
They are delicious bite-sized appetizers made from mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese, coated in corn flakes and fried until golden and crispy.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, ideally chilled from previous use.
Why should I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes are usually colder and firmer, which makes them much easier to shape into balls than freshly made, warm potatoes.
What kind of cheese works best for these croquettes?
This recipe calls for 6-10 ounces of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and gooey center.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Gruyere depending on your preference.
What is used to create the crispy coating?
The recipe uses 2 cups of crushed corn flakes to provide a unique, extra-crunchy exterior texture.
How do I get the corn flakes to stick to the potato?
Each potato ball is dipped into a beaten egg, which acts as a binder before being rolled in the crushed corn flakes.
How large should I make the potato balls?
The mixture should be rolled into balls approximately 2 inches in diameter for even cooking.
What is the best way to cook these croquettes?
They should be fried in a large skillet with enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom and come halfway up the sides of the balls.
How long do they need to fry?
Fry the croquettes until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There is approximately 6.25g of fat per serving.
How much protein do these croquettes provide?
Each serving contains about 3.125g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 9.375g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the garlic mandatory in this recipe?
No, the minced garlic or garlic powder is listed as optional, though it adds a great savory flavor.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
While the recipe specifies frying for maximum crispiness, you could bake them, though the texture and color will differ.
How do I prevent the potato balls from falling apart in the oil?
Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold and firm before shaping, and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the balls to the pan.
Should I drain the croquettes after cooking?
Yes, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Can I add other ingredients like bacon or chives?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked bacon bits, chopped chives, or parsley into the potato mixture for added flavor.
What should I serve with potato croquettes?
They pair well with dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup.
How do I store leftover croquettes?
Store any remaining croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze them after coating but before frying. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How do I reheat them to keep them crispy?
Reheating in an oven or air fryer is best to maintain the crispy corn flake crust; avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Are these croquettes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written.
Can I use panko instead of corn flakes?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative if you don't have corn flakes on hand.
What occasions are these good for?
They are perfect as appetizers for parties, side dishes for dinner, or as a savory snack for kids.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 6 basic ingredients: mashed potatoes, garlic, cheddar cheese, egg, corn flakes, and oil.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory recipe.
Should I grate the cheese myself?
The recipe recommends freshly grated cheese as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.