Potato croquettes with cheese

Delicious Potato Cheese Croquettes Recipe

Who can resist a serving of potato cheese croquettes? This dish is not only delicious but also comforting, evoking childhood memories and moments spent with loved ones. Potato croquettes are a perfect choice for a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, and they are easy to prepare. Let’s discover together how to make the most flavorful potato cheese croquettes!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 grams of potatoes (choose starchy potatoes, like those for mashed potatoes)
- 150 grams of grated cheese (cottage cheese or telemea are excellent options)
- 2 egg yolks (use fresh eggs for better taste)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 whole egg (for coating the croquettes)
- 3-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (for a crispy exterior)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or peanut oil)

Preparing the Croquettes

1. Boiling the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into large cubes for even cooking. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and let them boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Mashing the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them well and let them cool slightly. Then, mash them with a fork or a potato masher until you achieve a smooth puree. It’s important to avoid large chunks to ensure the croquettes have a uniform texture.

3. Adding the Ingredients
To the potato puree, add the grated cheese, egg yolks, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together well.

4. Shaping the Croquettes
With wet hands, form small balls or sticks from the dough, depending on your preference. Make sure the sizes are uniform for even frying. You can even create fun shapes, like hearts or stars, to add a touch of creativity.

5. Preparing for Frying
Prepare three plates: place flour on the first, beaten egg on the second (you can add the leftover egg whites from the yolks), and breadcrumbs on the third. Dip each croquette first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. This process will create a crispy layer when frying.

6. Frying the Croquettes
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough but not smoking to avoid burning the breadcrumbs. Fry the croquettes for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature.

7. Draining Excess Oil
Once the croquettes are fried, remove them with a spatula and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving the Croquettes

Potato cheese croquettes can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables. A garlic yogurt sauce or a tomato sauce can make excellent accompaniments. You can also add spices like oregano or basil to the dough to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of potato cheese croquettes contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the oil used and the type of cheese. They are a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, while the cheese adds protein and calcium.

Variations and Helpful Tips

- Variations: You can add various ingredients to the dough, such as fresh dill, green onions, or even fried bacon, to customize the recipe. Experiment and find the combination you like best!
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the croquettes in advance, you can freeze the uncooked croquettes. Place them on a tray in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to serve them, fry them directly from the freezer.
- Oven Cooking: A healthier option is to bake the croquettes. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, drizzling with a little oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes in the recipe?
Yes, sweet potatoes can add a sweet flavor and vibrant color, but you will need to adjust the amount of flour.

2. What cheese is best for croquettes?
Cottage cheese or telemea are ideal due to their texture and flavor. You can also experiment with mozzarella for a more elastic texture.

3. How can I make the croquettes less greasy?
Bake them in the oven as mentioned above, or use a non-stick skillet with a small amount of oil.

Personal Story

I fondly remember the days when my mom would make potato cheese croquettes for family gatherings. The whole house would smell of melted cheese, and we would gather around the table to enjoy these delights. This dish has become a tradition in our family, and now I have added it to my own recipe collection, always reminding me of those beautiful moments.

Now it’s your turn to bring a touch of joy to your kitchen with these potato cheese croquettes! Gather the ingredients and enjoy every step of the process. Cooking can be an art, but also a form of love – so savor every moment!