The BEST Potato Croquettes

4.60 from 79 votes

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Mashed Potato Croquettes are the stuff from which dreams are made. Soft, warm, and comforting, it is the perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes.

Perfect for an easy side dish or delicious appetizer, these potato croquettes prove that leftovers can be better than the original dish!

Plate of mashed potato croquettes with sour cream and chves.
These Croquettes are a delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes.

What are Potato Croquettes?

If you have ever asked, “What is a croquette?” you’re not alone. A croquette is nothing more than a main ingredient that is rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried or baked.

Potatoes are a staple in our kitchen. We love using them for Crispy Potatoes, Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, and of course the best mashed potatoes ever (there’s garlic in them!)

I saw this mashed potato croquette Recipe in Bon Appétit a few weeks ago. Like most recipes that captured me, this one lived up to my expectations. These potato croquettes are an elegant side for things like veal marsala, beef bourguignon, and so many other great main courses.

Every. Single. Morsel.

A croquette split open with stringy cheese.
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These potato croquettes are warm, soft, and pillowy on the inside with a light, crunchy texture on the outside.

Croquettes are a delicious use of leftover foods.

Make Croquettes from these Leftover Foods!

  • Chicken
  • Vegetables
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Ham
  • Fish
  • Cheese and
  • Mashed Potatoes

What’s in Potato Croquettes?

If making too many mashed potatoes is a crime, then I plead guilty. Over and over.

There are few greater sins than running out of mashed potatoes, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving, IMHO.

Plus, with the cheap price of potatoes, you can feel good about making too many mashed potatoes without wasting a lot of time or money.

But there’s another and more tasty reason for making too many mashed potatoes like these make ahead mashed potatoes: Potato croquettes!

A bowl of mashed potatoes, cheese, and other ingredients for croquettes.
For this croquettes recipe, we use a big batch of leftover mashed potatoes.

Potato croquettes make great party appetizers. But in the middle of these croquettes, the authentic mashed potatoes, chives, and Parmesan cheese have their own little party.

Mashed Potatoes: Use leftovers or made some just for these croquettes. All you need is 2 cups for this recipe.

Eggs: You’ll use just the egg yolks for this croquette recipe. They help to hold the ingredients together. Use large eggs and it’s always best to use them at room temperature for more even cooking. Or frying in this case. Here’s a great way for how to quickly get eggs to room temperature.

Breadcrumbs: You’re going to coat the croquettes in these, just before frying. You’ll want to use fine breadcrumbs and I like to use the Italian seasoned ones. Scott shows you how to make breadcrumbs from leftover dinner rolls. It’s super easy!

Cheese: You can use any kind of cheese you want for these potato croquettes. Just make sure it’s shredded or grated.

Pro Kitchen Tip Always shred or grate your cheese from a block of cheese instead of buying already shredded. The pre-shredded cheese has potato starch and other fillers to help stabilize it. This prevents it from melting completely and also affects the tast!

We use chives in this potato croquette recipe but you can use other yummy filling ingredients like:

  • Bacon, chopped.
  • Ham, chopped.
  • Goat cheese
  • Onion, minced and cooked.
  • Jalapeño peppers, chopped.

How to make Potato Croquettes

These potato croquettes could not be any easier to put together.

Making croquettes using mashed potatoes.

1. Start by mixing mashed potatoes, egg yolks, chives, and a little flour.

2. Roll the croquettes into golf-ball-size portions.

3. Dredge them in an egg wash and then roll the croquettes in bread crumbs.

4. Bake them in the oven for about 12 minutes or fry them in a skillet of hot oil for about 3 minutes.

A plate of potato croquettes with sour cream.
Croquettes are great party appetizers
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What to Serve with These

Traditionally, potato croquettes are served with some type of sauce. We like this garlic aioli dipping sauce from Becky over at The Cookie Rookie.

To keep it simple, you can also just use a little sour cream. Add some chopped chives if you like and maybe add a little paprika for added color and taste1

This croquette recipe will live up to your expectations, and beyond

Easy to make and delicious use of leftovers, the taste, and texture of these potato croquettes is the stuff that dreams are made of!

Dabbed in a little sour cream with some additional chives on the side, you have a bona fide party appetizer or side dish. You’re welcome. 

Common Recipe Questions

How do you make gluten-free potato croquettes?

Simply use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs when making these.

How do you store leftover potato croquettes?

Store any leftover croquettes in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. They will stay good for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a hot oven (350°) for 10 minutes. Or, you can reheat them in an air fryer for 4 or 5 minutes.

Not crazy about potatoes or looking for a similar way to put some corn to good use? Try these deep-fried corn nuggets. Featuring a combination of savory cheese, cream, and corn, this truly is the ultimate recipe! (Bonus, this recipe even has a vegan corn nuggets version.)

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Easy Potato Croquettes

4.60 from 79 votes
This mashed potato croquette recipe is a fast and easy leftover recipe that you will want to make over and over again! Recipe from Bon Appétit
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 13 minutes
Yield: 12

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup fine bread crumbs, Italian flavored if you can find.
  • 2 eggs
  • 3-4 cups vegetable or canola oil
  • Sour cream, optional

Instructions 

  • In large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, chives, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and flour.
  • Mix thoroughly and roll into golf ball size portions.
  • In small bowl beat 2 eggs.
  • Place bread crumbs in another small bowl.
  • Dredge croquettes in egg and then bread crumbs.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat, using 10″ skillet.
  • Working in batches, place croquettes in hot oil, using teaspoon to turn and brown evenly.
  • Remove portions from oil when golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Allow to drain on brown paper bag.
  • Serve warm with optional sour cream and additional chives.

Baking Option

  • Preheat oven to 400° F.
  • Place the potato croquettes on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Video

Notes

Tips for Making Croquettes
  • Croquettes can be shaped in round balls, oval balls, or even like small pancakes.
  • If you don’t want to fry these,  you can bake these croquettes at 350° for 15 minutes.
  • For added flavor, add a little salt and pepper to the eggs and maybe some smoked paprika.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 151mg, Potassium: 146mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0g, Vitamin A: 120IU, Vitamin C: 8.1mg, Calcium: 73mg, Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!
Updated from the original post from December 3, 2015
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Meet the Platter Talk Guys

Dan & Scott split their time between Wisconsin and Southwest Florida and are dads to six boys. Good food runs through their veins, and they love showing others how to cook easy recipes.

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4.60 from 79 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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94 Comments

  1. Where do you find smoked paprika I havenโ€™t found it yet! How is it different From regular paprika? does it really make a difference?

    1. You can find smoked paprika in most grocery stores, typically in the spice aisle. It’s often labeled as “smoked paprika” or “pimentรณn.” If your local store doesn’t carry it, you can also find it online through various retailers.

      Smoked paprika is different from regular paprika in that it is made from peppers that have been smoked and dried over an oak fire, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor. Regular paprika, on the other hand, is made from dried peppers that haven’t been smoked, resulting in a milder, sweeter taste.

      The difference in flavor can make a significant impact on your dishes. Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky depth to foods, which is particularly good in stews, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. Regular paprika is more versatile for adding color and a mild peppery flavor to a wide range of dishes.