Cheesy Potato Croquettes with Penny Panko

Level Up Leftovers: Cheesy Potato Croquettes with Penny Panko!

Let's be honest, leftover mashed potatoes are a gift! Mashed potatoes are the perfect base for so many tasty treats, and these cheesy potato croquettes are no exception. They're crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and totally irresistible. Plus, they're super easy to whip up, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. These are a perfect way to use up those mashed potatoes you didn’t finish up during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. They're easy to make ahead of time and freezable, so I’m sensing an absolutely perfect dish for any New Year’s party that will wow family and friends! 

Let's get cooking!

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes (mashed potatoes with minimal cream/butter work best!)
• 10 cubes of strong cheddar cheese, about 1.5 cm each
• ¾ cup plain (all-purpose) flour (gluten-free all-purpose works too!)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg, lightly whisked
• 2 cups Penny Panko breadcrumbs 
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Now, let's make some magic happen:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab a baking sheet.
2. Mix that flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Time to get seasoned!
3. In a second bowl, give that egg a light whisk. You don't want scrambled eggs here!
4. Pour your Penny Panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika and drizzle that oil on top. Mix it all up so the oil gets cozy with all the breadcrumbs. This is the secret to extra crispy goodness.
5. Time for the fun part! Grab a heaping tablespoon of mashed potato and flatten it in your hand. Place a cheese cube right in the middle and wrap the mashed potato around it. Shape it into a little cylinder and you've got yourself a croquette!
6. Dip each croquette in the flour, then the egg, and finally, roll it around in that yummy Penny Panko mixture until it's completely covered. Place each coated croquette on your baking sheet and repeat with the rest.
7. Making sure those croquettes have a little breathing room on the baking sheet, pop that tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them! You don't want the cheese to start a jailbreak and seep out.
8. Once they're golden and delicious, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it's worth the wait!
9. Now dig in and enjoy those crispy, cheesy bites of heaven!

Pro Tips: Want to make these ahead of time? You totally can! Shape those croquettes and store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, just bake them uncovered as directed.

Freezing these bad boys? Cook them first, let them cool completely, then freeze them. This way, you can enjoy them whenever a craving hits!

Craving a deep-fried adventure? No problem! Heat up some vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry those croquettes until golden brown. Or, if you're feeling really wild, carefully lower them into a deep fryer heated to 350-365°F and fry for about 3 minutes until golden.

So there you have it! A simple and fun recipe to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Don't forget to share your cheesy creations with us on social media using #PiedmontPennies! 

Stay Cheesin'!

Recipe adapted from Kitchen Sanctuary.