Thank you Grown In Idaho For sponsoring this post.
Cheese and potatoes are two of the most delicious foods. Pretty much everyone loves both, so when you put them together, you have a guaranteed win for any crowd. This recipe also utilizes fresh spinach, so it checks all of the boxes for crispy, fried, gooey, comforting and green.
Thank you Grown In Idaho’s for sponsoring this post. I used the frozen Homestyle Mashed Potatoes. This new line of frozen mashed potatoes is so cool and convenient. They are sold in portioned medallions, making it easy to prepare real mashed potatoes for appetites of all sizes without all of the prep work and mess. These can be made right in the microwave or on the stovetop, and are available for purchase at your local Kroger. You can serve mashed potatoes, and then repurpose it with this recipe! It's one of my favorite leftover mashed potato recipes.
Why You'll Love These Cheesy Potato Croquettes
- Quick and Easy – This recipe only takes about 30 minutes, and is pretty simple to make, even though it sounds fancy and tastes like it took hours to prepare!
- Fiber Filled – Potatoes are packed with fiber and potassium, making this a tasty way to stay full and regulate digestion.
Ingredients For Mashed Potato Balls
- Lamb Weston frozen Homestyle Mashed Potatoes – These frozen mashed potato medallions are made of real Idaho potatoes, so you can feel good about serving these at family dinner. Plus, they are so smart and easy to use.
- Eggs – You will need to beat one egg for coating your potato balls, and you will also need one additional yolk to help make up the filling.
• Parmesan – Shredded parmesan helps to make up the base of the mashed potato balls. - Salt and Pepper – Your basic seasonings!
- Garlic Powder – This will highlight the flavor of the mashed potatoes just a little bit more.
- Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika adds just a hint of zest to compliment this otherwise creamy and cheesy dish.
- Spinach – Packed with iron, calcium and magnesium, a little fresh spinach will help add a little earthy green to your croquettes.
- Breadcrumbs – We will be using breadcrumbs twice in this recipe. You will need a little bit for the filling, and more to dip your potato balls in to create the coating.
- Cheddar Cheese – These cheese cubes are the most surprisingly delightful part of this dish. They will go in the center of your potato balls, so that yummy, melty cheese oozes out when you bite in.
- Olive Oil – We will be deep frying the croquettes, so choose your favorite frying oil. I like olive oil for its mild flavor and health benefits.
How to make Cheesy Potato Croquettes
1. Place frozen potato discs in a microwave safe dish, with ¼ cup water and microwave on high for 4 minutes. When done, give them a stir and microwave for another four minutes. Refrigerate until mashed potatoes are cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed potato, shredded parmesan cheese, spinach, egg yolk, 2 tbs bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
3. Place beaten egg and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
4. Form potato mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Then, stuff it with small cheese cube, making sure the ball is fully sealed.
5. Roll the potato ball in the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all potato balls are coated. Heat oil in a pan, and deep-fry the croquettes until golden brown.
If air frying, cook at 390F for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket half way through cooking time.
Step by Step Instructions
First, prepare your mashed potatoes. This will be the base of the dish. Start by microwaving your frozen potato discs with ¼ cup of water for 4 minutes. Stir and microwave for an additional 4 minutes. Place your mashed potatoes in the refrigerator to cool. You can also cook it over stovetop.
Once your prepared mashed potatoes have cooled, it is time to add the rest of the ingredients for the potato balls. In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded parmesan, spinach, egg yolk, 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Get two separate shallow bowls or dishes for dipping your potato balls. Beat your egg into the first bowl, and pour the breadcrumbs into the second. Form your potato mixture into balls. Each one should be around 1 ½ inches.
Next, press your cubed cheese into the center of the potato balls, making sure that it is completely covered by the potato mixture.
Finally, coat the potato balls. First, roll the balls in the egg, then the breadcrumbs, so that they are fully coated.
Once your potato balls are completely prepared and coated, it is time to cook them. Heat your oil in a pan to deep-fry. It should take around 2-3 minutes. Croquettes are done when they are golden brown on all sides.
Alternatively, you may cook them in the air fryer at 390F for 5-6 minutes, then pause to shake the basket, and return to cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes. Allow your croquettes to cool before serving.
Cook's Tips
- Serve croquettes with a veggie dip for additional hidden nutrients.
• If you are looking to save time, you can prepare either the mashed potatoes, or the potato balls in advance, and simply coat and fry them when you are ready to cook. - If you like this version, you can try switching up the flavors by swapping the cheddar cubes for mozzarella, and dipping your croquettes in marinara sauce for an Italian themed appetizer.
FAQ
Prepare mashed potato balls and stuff with cubed cheddar cheese. Coat in egg and breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden brown.
When you form your potato balls, try to keep them tight. The egg and cheese will help to bind them, but you also want to make sure they are not too loosely formed.
Serve your croquettes with greens, soup, quiche, deviled eggs, rice, roasted veggies, grilled fish, or on their own as a snack or appetizer.
After cooking, allow croquettes to cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. When you are ready to cook them, remove from freezer and cook in the air fryer, or on the stovetop in a little oil.
Looking for more family friendly recipes? Try these:
One Pan Asian Beef and Noodles
Tried this Potato Croquettes recipe and love it? Please leave me a comment and recipe rating below. Feel free to also tag me, I love to see your creations and sharing them. You can also print this recipe for later use. For more inspiration follow us on Instagram Or like us on Facebook
Cheesy Potato Croquettes
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen Lamb Weston Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
- 1 egg yolk
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbs fresh spinach chopped
- 2 tbs bread crumbs
- ½ cup cheddar cheese small cubed
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil for frying (may sub, coconut,vegetable, canola or any other frying oil)
Instructions
- Place frozen potato discs in a microwave safe dish, with ¼ cup water and microwave on high for 4 minutes. When done, give them a stir and microwave for another four minutes. Refrigerator until mashed potatoes are cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled mashed potatoes with shredded parmesan cheese, spinach, egg yolk, 2 tbs bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Stir until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Place beaten eggs and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Form potato mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Then, stuff it with small cheese cube, making sure the ball is fully sealed.
- Roll the potato ball in the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all potato balls are coated.
- Heat oil in a pan, and shallow fry the croquettes until golden on all sides. (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from oil, allowing the croquettes to cool.
Leave a Reply