If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet delightfully crispy treat, the Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe is about to become your new favorite appetizer or snack. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and green onions, shaped into golden, crunchy croquettes, and paired with a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry mayo that adds an irresistible pop of flavor. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings, game day munchies, or whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each one bringing its own magic to the croquettes, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. From fluffy mashed potatoes to crispy breadcrumbs and zesty cranberry mayo, every element works together to create a mouthwatering experience.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy base that makes these croquettes irresistibly soft on the inside.
- Grated cheese: Adds a rich, melty goodness and depth of flavor; cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan all work beautifully.
- Green onions: For a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic powder: A subtle punch of warmth and aroma.
- Black pepper & salt: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind and create the croquette coating when combined with egg and breadcrumbs.
- Egg: Acts as the glue, keeping the croquettes intact during frying.
- Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): For that extra crispy, golden crunch on every bite.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to that perfect crispy texture.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the cranberry mayo dipping sauce.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart zing that pairs beautifully with the savory croquettes.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the mayo.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness in the cranberry mayo.
How to Make Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start with either leftover mashed potatoes that are well-chilled or freshly made mashed potatoes that have cooled to room temperature. This ensures your croquettes will hold their shape and not fall apart when you start mixing and frying.
Step 2: Mix the Croquette Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with grated cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that all the flavors meld beautifully while keeping that creamy texture intact.
Step 3: Shape the Croquettes
Grab about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each croquette, roll it into a neat ball, then gently flatten it into a small patty. This size makes for perfectly crispy croquettes that cook evenly and are easy to handle for dipping.
Step 4: Coat the Croquettes
Set up your dredging station with separate bowls for flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. One by one, dip each croquette in flour, then egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks well. This triple coating guarantees that delightful crunch.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go. Fry the croquettes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cranberry Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. This dip is what truly elevates the dish — a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot, crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe immediately while they’re still warm and crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside. Dip them into the vibrant cranberry mayo and enjoy every bite full of contrasting textures and flavors.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on the croquettes brings a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika on top for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes and tangy mayo.
Side Dishes
These croquettes are quite hearty on their own but shine even brighter alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to complement the richness. For a heartier meal, try serving them with grilled chicken or a warm bowl of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by arranging the croquettes on a wooden board with small ramekins of cranberry mayo scattered around for easy dipping. For a party, try skewering a croquette on a toothpick with a dollop of cranberry mayo and garnish as bite-sized finger food — always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the croquettes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain their crispness to some extent, although freshly fried is always best.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the formed and coated croquettes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. This way, you can fry them straight from frozen whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat croquettes in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy, losing that glorious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan are all excellent choices, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment or even combine cheeses for a richer taste.
Is it necessary to use cranberry sauce in the mayo?
The cranberry sauce adds a wonderful sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory croquettes beautifully, but if you prefer, you can swap it for another fruit-based sauce like raspberry or even a bit of tangy chutney.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
You can bake them for a lighter option, but frying gives the croquettes that unbeatable crispy outer layer. If baking, brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of potatoes work best for the croquettes?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best because they yield fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes that bind well in croquettes.
How do I prevent the croquettes from falling apart during frying?
Making sure your mashed potatoes are cold and well-bound with egg and flour is key. Also, the triple coating with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs creates a sturdy shell that holds everything together during frying.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any table. Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and perfectly paired with that tangy cranberry mayo, you have an easy crowd-pleaser in your hands. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll be a go-to whenever you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something unforgettable.
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Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy mashed potato croquettes coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, served with a tangy and creamy cranberry mayo dip. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack combines smooth mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a flavorful cranberry mustard mayo for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
For the Croquettes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dredging)
- 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cranberry Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are chilled. If freshly made, allow them to cool to room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Mix the croquette filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated cheese if using, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the croquettes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture, roll it into a ball, then gently flatten into a small patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat the croquettes: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs in a third dish. Dredge each croquette first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage.
- Fry the croquettes: Heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When hot (test by dropping a breadcrumb which should sizzle), fry croquettes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the cranberry mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the croquettes hot with the cranberry mayo on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and chill them for easier shaping.
- Using Panko breadcrumbs yields extra crispy croquettes.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
- Leftover croquettes can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- If avoiding frying, croquettes could be baked, but frying offers the best texture.
