Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes are one of those timeless comfort foods that feel like a warm hug—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and irresistibly satisfying from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re preparing a family-friendly appetizer, hosting a party, or craving a restaurant-quality snack at home, these croquettes deliver big flavor with simple ingredients.

What Are Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes?

Croquettes are small, breaded, fried bites traditionally filled with mashed potatoes, vegetables, cheese, or meats. Their origins trace back to European cuisine, especially France and Spain, before spreading across the globe. Today, croquettes come in many forms, but the cheesy stuffed version remains one of the most popular because it combines crisp texture with a melty, gooey center.

Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes are made from creamy mashed potato dough surrounding a cube of cheese—often mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix—then coated in breadcrumbs and fried or baked until golden. The result? A crunchy shell that gives way to molten cheese perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These croquettes are more than just a delicious snack. They offer several qualities that make them ideal for any kitchen:

✔ Perfect Appetizer or Side Dish

Serve them at parties, gatherings, holidays, or alongside main dishes like chicken, salads, or pasta.

✔ Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Made from potatoes, cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs—simple, inexpensive, and pantry-friendly.

✔ Customizable Fillings

You can add herbs, spices, meat, veggies, or different cheeses.

✔ Ideal for Meal Prep

They freeze beautifully, meaning you can prepare them ahead of time and fry whenever you need a quick appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare classic cheesy stuffed croquettes, gather the following:

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
Cheese: Mozzarella cubes for an extra melty center.
Butter: Adds richness to the potato mixture.

Milk or Cream: Makes the mashed potatoes silky and smooth.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
Eggs: For binding and coating.

Flour: Helps hold the croquette mixture together.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs for crunch.
Oil: For frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potato Base

Start by peeling and boiling your potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, you can incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, or finely chopped parsley.

Let the mashed potatoes cool completely—this is essential for shaping sturdy croquettes.

2. Form the Croquettes

Cut mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) into bite-sized cubes. Scoop a portion of potato, flatten it in your hand, and place a cheese cube in the center. Carefully roll the mixture to fully enclose the cheese. Repeat until all croquettes are formed.

3. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

Flour
Beaten eggs

Breadcrumbs

Roll each croquette in flour, dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. For an extra crunchy crust, double-coat by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs again.

4. Fry or Bake

To Fry:
Heat oil to 175–180°C (350–360°F). Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.

To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Drain & Serve

Place fried croquettes on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about croquettes is how customizable they are. Here are delicious additions and twists:

1. Herb & Garlic Croquettes

Mix parsley, thyme, or chives into the mashed potatoes for aromatic flavor.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Croquettes

Add minced jalapeños to the potato base and use sharp cheddar for the filling.

3. Chicken & Cheese Croquettes

Stir in shredded cooked chicken for a protein-packed version.

4. Spinach & Mozzarella Croquettes

Mix cooked, squeezed spinach into the potato mixture for a healthier twist.

5. Mediterranean Feta Croquettes

Swap mozzarella for feta and add oregano, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes

Achieving restaurant-quality croquettes at home is easy with these expert tips:

✔ Cool the Potato Mixture Completely

Warm mashed potatoes are too soft and sticky, making it harder to shape the croquettes.

✔ Cut Cheese into Even Cubes

Uniform pieces ensure consistent melting and prevent leakage.

✔ Don’t Skip the Breading Steps

The triple-coating system (flour → egg → breadcrumbs) ensures a firm exterior that holds the melted cheese.

✔ Freeze Before Frying (Optional)

Chill croquettes for 20–30 minutes before frying to keep them intact.

✔ Use High Heat Oil

Avoid olive oil for frying; stick to neutral oils with high smoke points.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy stuffed croquettes are delicious alone, but pairing them with sauces or sides enhances the entire experience. Try serving them with:

Garlic aioli
Ranch dressing
Sriracha mayo

Marinara sauce
Honey mustard
Sweet chili sauce

For a full meal, pair croquettes with:

Grilled chicken
Fresh salads

Roasted vegetables
Soups (like tomato basil or broccoli cheddar)

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store cooked croquettes in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze uncooked croquettes on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They last up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: 200°C (400°F), 10–12 minutes
Air Fryer: 375°F for 6–8 minutes

Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lighter version, here’s how to make the recipe healthier without compromising taste:

Bake instead of fry

Use whole-wheat breadcrumbs
Use reduced-fat cheese
Add vegetables to the filling

Use Greek yogurt instead of cream in the mash

These swaps help reduce calories while keeping the croquettes delicious.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Saving

Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes are versatile, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. They’re perfect for game days, Ramadan evenings, family dinners, potlucks, or even as a quick snack. With simple ingredients and endless flavor combinations, they easily become a go-to recipe in any kitchen.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe guarantees crispy, cheesy perfection every time.

Cheesy Stuffed Croquettes – A Crispy, Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed potatoes (cooled)
• ½ cup cooked & finely shredded chicken or mushrooms (optional, for heartier version)
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg (divided: ½ for mix, ½ for coating)
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4–6 small cubes (½-inch) sharp cheddar or pepper jack (for stuffing)
• ½ cup almond flour (or whole wheat panko for non–low-carb)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking or air-frying)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, shredded chicken/mushrooms (if using), Parmesan, ½ egg, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Chill 15 min.

Scoop ~2 tbsp mixture, flatten in palm, place 1 cheese cube in center, and seal into a ball or oval. Repeat.
Beat remaining ½ egg in a shallow dish. Roll each croquette in egg, then coat evenly in almond flour.
Place on parchment-lined tray. Drizzle or spray lightly with oil.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–23 min, flipping halfway—until golden and crisp. Or air-fry 12–14 min at 375°F.
Rest 3–5 min before serving (cheese is very hot!). Garnish with extra chives.