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#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
Start by boiling the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and can easily be mashed. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. **Mash the Potatoes:**
Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the milk, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the potatoes are creamy and well-seasoned. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the mashed potatoes cool to room temperature.
3. **Form the Croquettes:**
Once the mashed potatoes have cooled, it’s time to shape them. With your hands, take small portions of the mashed potatoes and roll them into small cylinders or oval shapes, about 2 inches long. You can also make them round if you prefer. Set the formed croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Bread the Croquettes:**
Set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. Dip each potato croquette into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly covered. Repeat this process until all croquettes are breaded.
5. **Fry the Croquettes:**
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil is ready for frying when it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the croquettes into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Once cooked, remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat until all croquettes are fried.
6. **Make the Cheese Sauce:**
While the croquettes are frying, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper or paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
7. **Serve the Potato Croquettes:**
Arrange the golden potato croquettes on a serving platter and drizzle with the rich cheese sauce. You can serve the sauce on the side as a dip if you prefer. Garnish with extra grated cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color.
8. **Enjoy!**
Serve your crispy, cheesy potato croquettes hot and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy potatoes, crunchy breadcrumbs, and luscious cheese sauce!
#### Tips for the Perfect Potato Croquettes:
– **Let the potatoes cool:** Make sure the mashed potatoes have cooled to room temperature before shaping the croquettes. This makes the mixture firmer and easier to handle.
– **Use day-old mashed potatoes:** If you have leftover mashed potatoes, they work perfectly for croquettes! They are already thickened and have a great flavor.
– **Try different cheeses:** While sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
– **Double breading:** For extra crunch, you can double bread the croquettes by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
– **Freezing option:** If you want to make croquettes ahead of time, you can freeze the breaded croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
#### Why You’ll Love These Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce:
– **Crispy and creamy:** The contrast between the crispy outer layer and the creamy, cheesy potato filling is truly irresistible.
– **Cheese lover’s dream:** The rich cheese sauce elevates the croquettes, making every bite extra indulgent.
– **Versatile:** Potato croquettes can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course paired with a fresh salad or veggies.
– **Comforting and satisfying:** With their creamy, cheesy filling and crispy exterior, these croquettes are the ultimate comfort food!
#### Serving Suggestions:
These **Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce** are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer. They also pair wonderfully with a variety of mains, like roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. For an extra touch of flavor, serve with a side of tangy marinara or spicy ketchup.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy meal at home, or preparing a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these croquettes are sure to be a hit. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and topped with a luxurious cheese sauce—what’s not to love?
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