Get ready to fall in love with these crispy, golden-brown mashed potato croquettes! Perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes are turned into bite-sized balls, coated with breadcrumbs, and fried to crispy perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy cranberry mayo for that extra punch of flavor, these croquettes are a game-changer. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or side dish, trust me—you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
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Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a casual family meal, or simply craving something crispy and comforting, these mashed potato croquettes are the way to go. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and complemented with a sweet-tart cranberry mayo—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo
These croquettes aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they’re an experience! Here’s why you’re going to love them:
Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside
The outside gets perfectly crisp while the mashed potatoes inside stay soft, creamy, and flavorful. It’s the best of both worlds!
Festive Flavors
The cranberry mayo adds a fresh, tart contrast to the richness of the croquettes. It’s a holiday-worthy combo that’s simple enough for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make these croquettes shine. Just mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings—plus a simple, zesty mayo dip!
Crowd-Pleasing
Perfect for gatherings or as a side dish to impress your guests. They’re easy to make and sure to disappear fast, so be ready for the compliments.
Customizable
You can get creative with these croquettes. Add cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits to the mashed potatoes before forming them into croquettes. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients in Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, flavorful croquettes:
Mashed Potatoes
The base of the croquettes. Make sure your mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and well-seasoned for the best results.
Breadcrumbs
For coating the croquettes and getting that perfect crispy crust. You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Eggs
Used to help bind the mashed potatoes and breadcrumbs together, ensuring the croquettes hold their shape while frying.
Flour
To dust the croquettes before dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs. It helps create a crispier outer layer.
Salt and Pepper
For seasoning the mashed potatoes and adding the perfect balance of flavor.
Olive Oil
For frying the croquettes to crispy perfection.
Cranberry Sauce
The star of the mayo dip! You’ll mix cranberry sauce into mayo to create a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the croquettes.
Mayonnaise
For the creamy base of the cranberry mayo.
Lemon Juice
A little squeeze of lemon juice for acidity and a fresh kick in the cranberry mayo.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make these crispy croquettes with a tangy cranberry mayo:
Form the Croquettes
Start by shaping the mashed potatoes into small balls or ovals, about 1 inch in diameter. If your mashed potatoes are a bit too sticky, you can wet your hands to make shaping easier.
Prepare the Coating
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs. Roll each mashed potato ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each croquette is evenly coated for that crispy exterior.
Fry the Croquettes
In a deep pan or skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the croquettes in batches, turning them until they are golden and crispy on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Drain and Set Aside
Once crispy, transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
Make the Cranberry Mayo
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crispy croquettes with the cranberry mayo on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed while still warm and crispy!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo
These croquettes are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces to elevate the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Crisp Green Salad
Pair the croquettes with a fresh, crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette will complement the rich, creamy croquettes perfectly.
Gravy
Serve with a side of brown gravy or turkey gravy for an extra savory touch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts would be perfect alongside these croquettes, adding a nice balance to the dish.
Cheese Plate
Serve with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruits for a fun appetizer platter.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead
You can prepare the croquettes in advance! Shape and coat them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. This can help save time when you’re entertaining guests.
Bake Instead of Frying
For a lighter option, you can bake these croquettes instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet, spray with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
These croquettes are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if your mashed potatoes are already seasoned.
Dip Variations
Feel free to get creative with the dip! Try substituting the cranberry sauce for raspberry or even orange marmalade for a different flavor.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy again.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these croquettes without frying them?
A1: Yes! You can bake the croquettes instead of frying them for a lighter version. Just bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q2: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works just as well in the cranberry mayo. You can even use a homemade version if you prefer.
Q3: Can I make these croquettes ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can shape and coat the croquettes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
Q4: How can I make these gluten-free?
A4: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the croquettes gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend.
Q5: Can I freeze these croquettes?
A5: Yes! You can freeze uncooked croquettes. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Q6: What can I serve with these croquettes?
A6: These croquettes pair perfectly with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple dipping sauce like gravy or ranch.
Q7: How do I reheat leftover croquettes?
A7: To reheat, place the croquettes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
Q8: Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
A8: Absolutely! Adding cheese to the mashed potatoes will give the croquettes a cheesy, melty center. Cheddar or Parmesan would work great!
Q9: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A9: Yes! Sweet potatoes will give the croquettes a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color. They pair wonderfully with the cranberry mayo.
Q10: Can I make these croquettes smaller?
A10: Definitely! You can make them smaller for bite-sized appetizers or keep them larger for a more substantial snack or side dish.
Conclusion
These Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo are a perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and tangy. The flavorful cranberry mayo adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the croquettes, making each bite an experience. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these croquettes will never disappoint. Try them out and enjoy the crispy perfection with a touch of festive flair!
Print
Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 22 croquette balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Leftover Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo are a savory and crispy treat, perfect for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers. The rich mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cranberry mayo are a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
For the cranberry mayo:
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup cranberry sauce
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the mashed potato croquettes:
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1/2 pound applewood smoked bacon
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4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves minced garlic
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1/4 cup diced chives
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Kosher salt, as needed
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
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For the cranberry mayo:
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In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and salt until fully combined.
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made up to 4 days in advance.
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For the mashed potato croquettes:
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Fry the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and chives. Season to taste with salt.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoon portions of the mixture, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight.
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Breading and frying:
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In three shallow bowls, place the flour, whisked eggs, and a mixture of panko and plain breadcrumbs.
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Heat enough vegetable oil in a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven to reach 1 inch up the side, and heat to 350ºF (180ºC).
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Roll each croquette ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 1½ to 2 minutes per batch.
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Remove from the oil and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
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Serve:
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Arrange the croquettes on a platter and serve with the cranberry mayo on the side for dipping
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Notes
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These croquettes can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
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For a twist, try adding other leftover ingredients, such as sautéed vegetables or cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg