Appetizer > American > Southern

Sweet Potato and Bacon Croquettes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boil the diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

4. Using your hands or a spoon, form the sweet potato mixture into small, round croquettes.

5. Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil, using a slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Remove the croquettes from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for frying
Serving size:
Makes approximately 12 croquettes

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon for a healthier option.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Any type of cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash.
- Add chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed well to avoid lumps in the croquettes.
- Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to form evenly sized croquettes.
- Fry the croquettes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat croquettes in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange croquettes on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce in the center.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the croquettes are falling apart in the oil, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
- If the croquettes are too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked before forming the croquettes.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.

Food history:
Croquettes originated in France in the 19th century and were traditionally made with leftover meat or fish.

Flavor profiles:
The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness to the croquettes, while the bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a side dish with your favorite meal.

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Taste: Savory, Salty, Smoky, Sweet