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Mashed Potato and Meat Croquettes

Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these mashed potato and meat croquettes are the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 croquettes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes leftovers work great; smooth or slightly chunky is fine
  • 1 cup ground meat beef, chicken; choose lean to avoid excess oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crispness; plain breadcrumbs OK as substitute
  • 2 eggs beaten use one egg plus a splash of water if preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying neutral oil with a high smoke point

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Increase heat slightly, add the ground meat, and cook until fully browned with no pink bits remaining, breaking it up as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Transfer the cooked meat and onions to a mixing bowl and gently fold into the mashed potatoes until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Shape the mixture into small patties (about 2–3 inches wide). If the mix is too soft to shape, chill for 15–30 minutes to firm up.

Frying

  • Dip each patty into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko lightly so it adheres.
  • Pour oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1/3 inch and heat to medium-high. You want the oil surface to shimmer — roughly 350–375°F (175–190°C).
  • Fry the patties in batches without overcrowding, about 3–4 minutes per side, until crisp and golden. Adjust heat as needed so they brown but don’t burn.
  • Drain croquettes on paper towels or a wire rack and serve hot.

Notes

Store cooled croquettes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. For freezing, raw croquettes can be shaped, egg-dipped, and panko-coated before freezing, and cooked ones can be flash-frozen for later frying.
Keyword Comfort Food, Croquettes, Easy Snack, Mashed Potatoes, Party Food