Fast food

Potato croquettes

⏱ 30 min🍳 15 min👤 4 pp★☆☆☆☆

The croquette is a classic of Italian fried food, loved by everyone from children to adults. Served at any family gathering, potato croquettes are an excellent substitute for everyday mashed potato – they’ll disappear in seconds. Alternatively, they can be filled with cheese and cold cuts, whatever you prefer. They are ideal as appetizers or to accompany a main course instead of the ubiquitous french fries: in short, any occasion is suitable for feasting on them! Make lots and serve them piping hot. To prepare this classic dish, just follow our recipe with the video and photo gallery, which shows every detail of what our chef did: it will be an absolute doddle to make the perfect potato croquettes!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Mash the potatoes in a bowl. Add an egg yolk and the parmesan and mix well. Add some salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Once the potato mixture is ready take a scoop with your hands and make the croquettes. Now dip the croquettes in the beaten egg before coating them in breadcrumbs. Finally fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden.

Tips
When frying potato croquettes make sure that the oil is hot enough, otherwise the croquettes could disintegrate. Also, when they are ready - lovely and golden brown - drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Another couple of tips: the recipe for these croquettes is the classic one, but you can fill them however you like - with meats, cheeses etc – and, finally, to make them even crispier, coat them in the breadcrumbs twice!
Trivia
Are you dieting? Are you counting the calories? Then you should know that a potato croquette has about 30 calories if baked; if it is fried, they go up to about 110 for each croquette.

Step by step

The ingredients
The ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Potato Croquettes with Grana Cheese

One of the tastiest variations of potato croquettes is the one that incorporates Grana cheese. This recipe involves adding a generous amount of grated Grana to the potato mixture, thus giving it a rich and enveloping flavor. After mashing the potatoes and mixing them with the Grana, the mixture becomes creamy and flavorful. The croquettes can be breaded and fried until they achieve a golden crust, while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish, but it can also be served as a main course if accompanied by a fresh salad. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior makes these croquettes irresistible.

Campania-Style Potato Croquettes

Campania-style potato croquettes are a specialty of the culinary tradition of Campania. In this regional variant, in addition to the classic potato and cheese mixture, typical local ingredients such as fresh herbs can be added. For example, the addition of parsley or basil can further enrich the flavor of the croquettes, making them even more aromatic. Frying the croquettes in extra virgin olive oil, typical of Campanian cuisine, enhances the genuine taste of the dish. Served hot, these croquettes become a true symbol of local gastronomic tradition, perfect for a family dinner or a party among friends.

Light Potato Croquettes without Eggs

For those who desire a lighter version of potato croquettes, it is possible to prepare them without eggs. In this light recipe, the egg can be replaced with a mix of water and chickpea flour, which acts as a binder and adds a delicate flavor. Additionally, to reduce calorie intake, the croquettes can be baked instead of fried. After forming the croquettes, simply brush them with a bit of oil and bake them at 200 degrees until golden. This variant is ideal for those following a vegetarian diet or for anyone wishing to maintain a healthier diet without sacrificing taste. The croquettes remain crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect to enjoy on any occasion.

Benefits of Potatoes in Potato Croquettes

Potatoes, the main ingredient in croquettes, are a nutrient-rich food. They contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body and help maintain energy levels. On average, 100 grams of potatoes provide about 77 calories, making them a relatively light food. Additionally, potatoes are known for their satiating power, making them ideal for those looking to control their weight. Incorporating potatoes into dishes like croquettes allows for enjoying a delicious food without compromising a balanced diet.

Can potato croquettes be frozen?

Yes, potato croquettes can be successfully frozen. To do this, it is advisable to prepare and shape them, avoiding frying. Once shaped, the croquettes can be placed on a tray and put in the freezer until they solidify. Subsequently, they can be transferred to food bags and stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to consume them, simply fry them directly from frozen, without having to thaw them in advance. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, homemade dish even on the busiest days, keeping the flavor and texture of the croquettes intact.