Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, bacon, flour, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.
6. Form the potato mixture into small croquette shapes.
7. Place the beaten eggs in a small mixing bowl and the breadcrumbs in another small mixing bowl.
8. Dip each croquette in the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
9. Place the coated croquettes on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake the croquettes for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
12. Fry the baked croquettes until crispy and golden brown.
13. Drain the croquettes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
14. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes (baking) + 5-10 minutes (frying)
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Frying temperature: medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes 12-16 croquettes
- Serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use any other hard cheese like cheddar or pecorino.
- Instead of parsley and chives, you can use any other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Instead of bacon, you can use ham or cooked sausage.
- Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use cornstarch or potato starch.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use panko or crushed crackers.
Variations:
- You can add other ingredients to the potato mixture like chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- You can make the croquettes spicy by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- You can make the croquettes vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are not too wet, or the croquettes will fall apart.
- Use a food processor or blender to chop the bacon and herbs finely.
- Chill the croquettes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before coating them with eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Fry the croquettes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Serve the croquettes with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch dressing or honey mustard.
Storage instructions:
- You can store the baked croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the uncooked croquettes for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before baking and frying.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the baked croquettes, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat the fried croquettes, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the croquettes on a platter and sprinkle with chopped herbs or grated cheese.
- Serve the croquettes in individual bowls with a side of dipping sauce.
- Garnish the croquettes with crispy bacon bits or sliced scallions.
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs
- Grated cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sliced scallions
Pairings:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Fish
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Grilled corn
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquettes are too wet, add more flour or breadcrumbs to the potato mixture.
- If the croquettes are too dry, add more beaten eggs or chicken broth to the potato mixture.
- If the croquettes fall apart during frying, make sure the oil is hot enough and the croquettes are coated evenly with eggs and breadcrumbs.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the potatoes are cooked thoroughly before mashing them.
- Wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw potatoes or eggs.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the croquettes. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Food history:
- Croquettes originated in France in the 19th century as a way to use up leftover meat or fish. They were usually coated with breadcrumbs and fried.
- Potato croquettes became popular in the 20th century as a vegetarian alternative to meat croquettes.
- Baked potato croquettes are a healthier version of the traditional fried croquettes.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Salty Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs
- Smoky bacon
- Crunchy breadcrumbs
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the croquettes as an appetizer or a side dish.
- Pair them with your favorite main course or salad.
- Serve them at a party or a potluck.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A