Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Side dishes
  4. Potato and ricotta croquettes
Side dishes

Potato and ricotta croquettes

⏱ 60 min🍳 10 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

There are some delicious dishes that captivate us from an early age with their simplicity and authentic taste, and which then stay with us for a lifetime, gently stimulating our palates with memories of the past on every occasion in which we are lucky enough to enjoy them. Potato croquettes are a classic that entrance both children and adults alike because they are delicate and tasty, perfect as an accompaniment to any meat dish, like the rest, are ideal to be enjoyed as a starter or even alongside other specialties from the rotisserie. But here we have chosen to make them in a new way, mixing with the potatoes some delightful ricotta cheese, a secret ingredient that makes the mixture exceptionally light, and which will also appeal to the youngsters. One of the secrets for success in this recipe, which you absolutely must remember if you’re going to make perfect croquettes, is in relation to the breadcrumb coating: do it twice and it will be more solid and thus even more tasty!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
16g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Boil plenty of water, add the potatoes in their skins and cook for about half an hour. Drain, peel and mash them in a large bowl. Let them cool and then add all the ingredients: ricotta, lightly crushed with a fork, 2 eggs, parsley, diced ham, Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Shape the croquettes with your hands, dip them first in beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a casserole with high sides and fry the croquettes a few at a time until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Tips
Croquettes come out really nice and crunchy if you take care with the breadcrumb coating part of the preparation: typically, if you do the coating twice you will get an even better result.
Trivia
The ideal potatoes for making your croquettes are the red ones and, generally, those that tend to be more floury.

Step by step

Mash the potatoes
Mash the potatoes
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Potato and Ricotta Croquettes with Cooked Ham

A delicious variant of potato and ricotta croquettes can be made by adding cooked ham. This ingredient enhances the flavor of the croquettes, making them even tastier and more appreciated. To prepare them, follow the basic recipe, but make sure to use high-quality cooked ham, diced. This will add a touch of savoriness to the dish and a more interesting texture. The croquettes can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, perfect for any occasion. Additionally, you can customize the recipe by adding spices or herbs to taste, to give a personal touch to your preparation.

Molisana Potato and Ricotta Croquettes

Potato and ricotta croquettes are a traditional dish from Molise, where the cuisine is characterized by simple yet flavorful ingredients. In the Molisana version, these croquettes can be enriched with typical herbs from the region, such as rosemary or oregano. The preparation remains similar to the classic one, but the use of fresh and local ingredients makes the dish even more authentic. Serve the croquettes hot, accompanied by a tomato sauce or homemade mayonnaise to further enhance their flavor. This dish is ideal for a family lunch or a dinner with friends, bringing a piece of Molisana tradition to the table.

Light Potato and Ricotta Croquettes without Frying

For those who want a lighter version of potato and ricotta croquettes, it is possible to bake them instead of frying. This light variant maintains the original flavor but significantly reduces the calories. To make them, form the croquettes as in the traditional recipe, but instead of frying them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. This preparation is perfect for those following a controlled diet, without sacrificing the taste and goodness of the croquettes.

Nutritional Benefits of Potato and Ricotta Croquettes

Potato and ricotta croquettes offer several nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and potassium. Ricotta, on the other hand, is rich in protein and calcium, contributing to the health of bones and muscles. In a serving of croquettes, you can find about 200 calories, depending on the cooking method and the ingredients used. Choosing fresh and quality ingredients can further increase the nutritional value of the dish. This recipe is therefore not only tasty but also a great choice for a balanced meal.

Can Potato and Ricotta Croquettes be Frozen?

Yes, potato and ricotta croquettes can be frozen. It is advisable to do so before cooking, in order to preserve their freshness and texture. After forming the croquettes, place them on a tray and put it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once the croquettes have hardened, you can transfer them to a food bag or an airtight container. When you want to consume them, there is no need to thaw them; you can simply cook them directly in the oven or in a pan, slightly increasing the cooking times. This method is ideal for having a ready meal at any time.