If you’re searching for a snack that perfectly balances comfort and a touch of festive flair, this Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. Imagine crispy golden croquettes on the outside, filled with cheesy, fluffy mashed potatoes on the inside, paired with a tangy, sweet, and creamy cranberry mayo that brings everything to life. This dish is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests or add excitement to your holiday spread.

Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and tantalizing texture. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes to the crunchy, golden exterior and the bright, vibrant cranberry mayo that ties it all together.

Mashed potatoes: The heart of the croquettes, providing a creamy and fluffy base—leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly here.
Grated cheese: Adds richness and a lovely melty texture inside; choose your favorite like cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
Green onions: A fresh, mild bite that lifts the overall flavor profile.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory dimension without overpowering the potato.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout the dish.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the croquettes and provides a base for dredging to create a crispy coating.
Egg: Acts as a glue during the breading process to hold everything together beautifully.
Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): Gives the croquettes their satisfyingly crunchy and golden crust.
Vegetable oil: For frying, chosen for a neutral flavor and excellent frying qualities.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the cranberry mayo dipping sauce.
Cranberry sauce: Provides a burst of sweet and tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the croquettes.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the mayo.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the sauce with a bit of herbal freshness.

How to Make Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes

Start by making sure your mashed potatoes are ready and at the right temperature. If you’re working with leftovers, chilling them first is best to ensure they firm up nicely. Fresh mashed potatoes should be allowed to cool down to room temperature so they don’t cause any issues when forming your croquettes.

Step 2: Mix the croquette filling

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with grated cheese, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly results in a cohesive filling bursting with flavor inside each croquette.

Step 3: Form the croquettes

Use about two tablespoons of the mixture for each croquette. Roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a patty shape. This size is perfect for frying evenly and creating a delightful crunch while keeping the interior soft and cheesy.

Step 4: Coat the croquettes

Set up your dredging stations with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. First, lightly coat each croquette in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure a consistent, crispy shell after frying.

Step 5: Fry the croquettes

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat. To check if it’s ready, drop a breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle right away. Fry the croquettes in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Make the cranberry mayo

While the croquettes are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant sauce will add a beautiful contrast of flavors to your crispy croquettes.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Serve your golden and crispy mashed potato croquettes hot, with plenty of cranberry mayo on the side for dipping. The combination is irresistible—each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top can elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh burst of flavor, highlighting the warm tones of the croquettes and the vibrant cranberry mayo.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe pairs wonderfully with light salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple soup. The rich croquettes balance well with crisp, refreshing sides, making for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these croquettes on a wooden board with small ramekins of cranberry mayo and other dipping sauces like spicy aioli or herb-infused yogurt. They also make fantastic appetizers arranged alongside charcuterie or cheese boards at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This will help maintain their flavor and texture when you want to enjoy them again.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked croquettes by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They should last up to a month and can be fried straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, pop croquettes into a hot oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these croquettes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs are great for maintaining that satisfying crunch.

Is it necessary to include cheese inside the croquettes?

Cheese is optional but highly recommended because it adds a creamy richness and depth of flavor. That said, you can skip it for a lighter version or based on dietary preferences.

Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

What can I substitute for cranberry sauce in the mayo?

If cranberry sauce is unavailable, try substituting with lingonberry jam, pomegranate molasses, or even a sweet-tart fruit chutney to maintain that bright contrast in flavor.

Can I prepare the cranberry mayo in advance?

Definitely! Prepare the cranberry mayo a day ahead and keep it chilled. The flavors meld nicely and will save you time when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe is a joyful experience to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles, hearty conversations, and seconds at the table. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these croquettes bring warmth and a touch of festive magic to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try making them and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!

Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo Recipe

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4.1 from 87 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with a tangy Cranberry Mayo dip are a delicious appetizer or snack. Made from creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and green onions, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection, they pair beautifully with a sweet and savory cranberry mayo for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Croquettes:

2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, optional)
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dredging)
1 egg, beaten (for binding)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cranberry Mayo:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes: If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are chilled. For freshly made mashed potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature before moving forward.
Mix the croquette filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated cheese if using, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is uniform and well incorporated.
Form the croquettes: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture per croquette. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten into a small patty. Continue until all mixture is shaped.
Coat the croquettes: Prepare a dredging station with flour in one shallow dish, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Coat each croquette in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick evenly.
Fry the croquettes: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle immediately. Fry the croquettes in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Make the cranberry mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Present the hot, crispy mashed potato croquettes alongside the cranberry mayo for dipping and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best results, use chilled or cooled mashed potatoes to prevent croquettes from falling apart during frying.
Using Panko breadcrumbs adds extra crispiness to the croquettes.
These croquettes can be baked as a healthier alternative by spraying them lightly with oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Leftover cranberry mayo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure the oil temperature is medium to avoid burning the breadcrumbs before the inside is heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American