If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comfort and full of irresistible cheesy goodness, then the Beef and Cheddar Potato Croquettes with Mozzarella Recipe might just become your new favorite. These croquettes bring together creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, savory ground beef, and that gooey mozzarella center that melts perfectly every time. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re the kind of bite-sized delights that make any meal feel special and festive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers heartwarming flavor with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients, this recipe shines because of how each component brings something valuable to the final dish. The potatoes provide a smooth base, cheddar adds sharp depth, and mozzarella offers that fantastic stretchy melt. Meanwhile, the seasoning layers in plenty of savory notes, and the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs create that perfect crunchy crust.
- Potatoes (½ kg): The creamy foundation of the croquettes, best when peeled and cubed for even cooking.
- Cheddar cheese (45 g): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the meat and potatoes beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp for potatoes + ½ tsp for beef): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- White pepper (½ tsp for potatoes + ½ tsp for beef): Offers a subtle heat without overpowering the other spices.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp for potatoes + ½ tsp for beef): Brings in a gentle warmth and aromatic depth.
- Ground beef (400 g): The savory heart of these croquettes, perfectly seasoned and cooked.
- Mozzarella cheese (4 slices): The gooey surprise inside each croquette.
- Flour (100 g): Helps the coating stick and gives structure to the outside.
- Egg (1): Acts as the binding agent to hold the breadcrumbs in place.
- Bread crumbs (150 g): Creates that irresistibly crispy crust that’s golden brown and crunchy.
How to Make Beef and Cheddar Potato Croquettes with Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes or until they are super tender. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and mash them to a smooth, creamy consistency. This gives you the perfect base to build the croquettes on.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Filling
To your freshly mashed potatoes, add the shredded cheddar cheese along with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the cheese is beautifully melted and the seasoning is evenly distributed, making your potato base flavorful and vibrant.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling
Heat a frying pan over medium flame and brown the ground beef. Season it with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder to infuse savory layers. When the beef is nearly done, stir in the slices of mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt and mix with the beef, creating a luscious, melty center for the croquettes.
Step 4: Shape the Croquettes
Take a scoop of the potato-cheddar mixture and flatten it into a small patty. Add a spoonful of the warm mozzarella beef filling in the center, then fold the potato around it, carefully sealing the edges to form a neat croquette. This step ensures each bite delivers that amazing combo of creamy potato and cheesy beef inside.
Step 5: Coat and Fry to Perfection
Give each croquette a thorough coating: first into the flour, then dipped in beaten egg, and finally rolled in breadcrumbs. This triple layer creates the perfect crust. Fry them in hot oil until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and crisp, which usually takes just a few minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
How to Serve Beef and Cheddar Potato Croquettes with Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens these croquettes visually and adds a fresh burst of flavor that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of sour cream or a spicy aioli elevates them further and makes for an irresistible dip.
Side Dishes
Serve your croquettes alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a tangy tomato chutney or a smoky barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the croquettes on a wooden board with toothpicks and offer a variety of dipping sauces. Or, cut them in half and serve them as sliders with small buns and fresh greens for a playful appetizer. Their flexible size and texture make them perfect for so many creative plating ideas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled first to prevent sogginess and retain their crispness when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked, shaped croquettes by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
Reheating
To enjoy your croquettes later, bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack to give your croquettes a unique twist.
Are these croquettes suitable for kids?
Yes, kids often love the crispy outside with the gooey cheese inside. Just be sure to check the seasoning and adjust the garlic and pepper to keep the flavors kid-friendly.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Definitely! For a healthier option, bake the croquettes on a parchment-lined tray at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious.
What type of potatoes work best?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for creamy mashed potatoes that hold together well when forming croquettes.
Can I make these vegan or vegetarian?
You can! Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegan cheeses to replicate the flavors while keeping the texture satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade croquettes that combine the best of comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Beef and Cheddar Potato Croquettes with Mozzarella Recipe as much as I do. The crispy, cheesy, and savory bites are guaranteed to bring smiles at your table, and once you try it, these croquettes will become a go-to recipe that’s easy to love and hard to forget.
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Beef and Cheddar Potato Croquettes with Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 croquettes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Beef Potato Croquettes are crispy golden bites filled with a savory blend of mashed potatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, and seasoned ground beef. Perfect as an appetizer or satisfying snack, they combine creamy textures with a crunchy exterior, delivering rich flavors and a comforting meal experience.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- ½ kg Potato
- 45 g Cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp White pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
Beef Filling
- 400 g Ground beef
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp White pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
Coating
- 100 g Flour
- 1 Egg
- 150 g Bread crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Mix Potato Ingredients: Stir cheddar cheese, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder into the mashed potatoes until the mixture is uniformly combined and flavorful.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. Once cooked, stir in the mozzarella cheese slices until melted and mixed well.
- Form Croquettes: Take portions of the potato mixture and flatten them into patties. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center, then fold the potato around it to form sealed croquettes.
- Coat Croquettes: Dredge each croquette first in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with bread crumbs, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Fry Croquettes: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the croquettes until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are well drained before mashing to avoid soggy croquettes.
- Use a sturdy oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- You can prepare the croquettes ahead and refrigerate before frying for convenience.
- For a lighter option, bake the croquettes at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
