Is there anyone in the world who can resist a warm, savory, crunchy potato croquette? In this recipe, potato croquettes are in their simplest form: just mashed potatoes seasoned with parsley, bound together with flour and egg, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried.
They’re a real crowd-pleaser that can be served as an appetizer, finger food, snack, or side dish. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley before serving and maybe even a dusting of grated parmesan or Manchego cheese for a special touch.
What Are Croquettes?
Croquettes are a beloved finger food served all over the world, with flavors and ingredients varying across countries, regions, and cuisines. Croquettes are fried cylinders, balls, or patties of minced vegetables, seafood, or meat bound together by mashed potato or bechamel sauce. Croquettes originated in France, and their name comes from the French word croquer (to crunch).
These potato croquettes are the perfect way to use leftovers. If your mashed potatoes are high in liquid (such as milk), the mixture will give off steam as it fries, which may cause the croquettes to fall apart. You may wish to fry one potato croquette as a tester before you shape the entire mixture, to check the texture and seasoning. If your tester falls apart, mix in a couple more tablespoons of flour, allow it to sit for five minutes, then fry another tester until you’re satisfied with the results.
Why Do My Potato Croquettes Fall Apart?
If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes on hand, you’re already well on your way to golden, cheese-stuffed croquettes. Made with cold mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, these croquettes are the perfect way to breathe new life into your leftover potatoes. They’re savory, crisp, and just as fun to eat as they are to make.
This step-by-step recipe will guide you through the best way to make, shape, and fry your croquettes. As for serving, they’re perfect for dipping into creamy sauces like garlic aioli — but just as delicious eaten all on their own. If you’ve never had potato croquettes before, you’re in for a treat.
Which Country Invented Potato Croquettes?
Potato croquettes are a universally beloved snack that can be found in many cuisines. While the exact origin of potato croquettes is unclear, they are believed to have originated in France. The French are known for their love of potatoes and their culinary creativity, so it's no surprise that they created this delicious fried treat.
What Do Potato Croquettes Go With?
Potato croquettes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are 16 delicious side dishes that go perfectly with potato croquettes:
- Tomato Soup: The tangy, vibrant flavor of tomato soup forms a perfect harmony with the creamy, savory potato croquettes. Dipping a crispy croquette into the soup and savoring the explosion of flavors is one of life's simple joys.
- Korean Corn Dogs: Unlike regular corn dogs, Korean corn dogs are coated in a sweet, crispy batter and often stuffed with mozzarella cheese. The sweetness, crispiness, and cheesiness of Korean corn dogs provide a fun and exciting contrast to the savory potato croquettes.
- Mozzarella Sticks: If you're a cheese lover, mozzarella sticks are the perfect companion for potato croquettes. The oozy, melty cheese ensconced in a crunchy coating mirrors the texture of the croquettes, while the additional cheesiness introduces a new depth of flavor.
- Deviled Eggs: The rich, creamy filling of deviled eggs is a fantastic counterpart to the crispy potato croquettes. The delicate, creamy taste of the eggs doesn't overpower the croquettes, ensuring a balanced and delicious meal.
- Baked Beans: Baked beans are a hearty, satisfying side that can provide a nice contrast to the light, crispy potato croquettes. Their sweet, savory flavor and soft, creamy texture contrast beautifully with the crunchy exterior of the croquettes.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki sauce, with its cool cucumber and tangy yogurt flavors, offers a refreshing twist. It can cut through the rich, savory taste of the potato croquettes, creating a balanced and enjoyable flavor profile.
- Wedge Salad: Balance out your meal with a fresh, crisp wedge salad. The crunchy lettuce, tangy dressing, and sprinkling of cheese and bacon provide a much-needed lightness to offset the richness of the croquettes.
- Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce: This sauce offers a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness that complements the savory flavor of the potato croquettes perfectly. Each bite is a taste adventure, making your meal exciting and enjoyable from start to finish.
- Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the fried goodness of potato croquettes. The creaminess of the avocado, the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, and the zing from a good vinaigrette create a taste sensation that pairs well with the savory croquettes.
- Sriracha Mayo: Sriracha mayo offers a creamy and spicy kick that works wonderfully with potato croquettes. The creaminess of the mayo pairs well with the crispy exterior of the croquettes, while the heat from the sriracha provides a delightful surprise that will keep your taste buds entertained.
- Tomato Bruschetta: The freshness of tomatoes, the tang of balsamic vinegar, and the crunchiness of toasted bread all work together to provide a light, tasty contrast to the potato croquettes. It's a simple yet delicious side that can make your meal feel more gourmet and satisfying.
- Chicken Nuggets: Chicken nuggets can offer a protein-rich side that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior of the nuggets are a perfect match for the potato croquettes. Serve with a selection of dips for a fun, interactive meal.
- Mashed Peas: Mashed peas, a classic English side dish, bring a touch of sweetness and a whole lot of comfort to the table. The creamy texture and sweet, earthy flavor make a delightful pairing with the crispy, savory potato croquettes.
- Sweet Corn Fritters: Sweet corn fritters are a deliciously sweet and savory side that can complement your potato croquettes beautifully. The sweetness of the corn provides a nice contrast to the savory croquettes, while the similar textures make them a harmonious pair.
- Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory potato croquettes. The creaminess of the coleslaw dressing, the crunch of the cabbage, and the tangy, sweet flavor profile can help balance out the richness of the croquettes and add a satisfying crunch to your table.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread, with its crispy crust and soft, garlicky interior, is a fantastic side dish for potato croquettes. The strong, aromatic flavor of the garlic and the hearty, comforting feel of the bread make it a delicious companion to the croquettes. Plus, who can resist a good piece of garlic bread?
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect pairings for potato croquettes.
Smoked potato croquettes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various settings. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, finger food, snack, or side dish, they are sure to be a hit. With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, potato croquettes are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Pair them with one of the suggested side dishes or get creative and come up with your own combinations. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always a satisfying and delicious meal.
So go ahead and give smoked potato croquettes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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