Alright, let’s talk about these Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo—they’re seriously the stuff of comfort food dreams! Imagine crispy golden exteriors giving way to soft, creamy mashed potatoes, all perfectly paired with a zesty cranberry mayo that adds just the right pop of flavor. These croquettes are the kind of bite-sized indulgence that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about bringing something extra special to the table. Whether you’re looking for a fun side dish for dinner, a snack to wow your friends, or just a cozy comfort food indulgence, these croquettes are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a new favorite:

Versatile

From a quick weeknight meal to an impressive addition to your holiday spread, these croquettes have you covered. They’re as perfect for a casual dinner as they are for a party platter or a comforting snack on a lazy Sunday.

Budget-Friendly

Made with simple ingredients like leftover mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and cranberries, these croquettes are easy on your wallet but still packed with flavor. No need to break the bank for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying!

Quick and Easy

This recipe is easy to follow, and the best part? It doesn’t take hours in the kitchen to achieve perfect, crispy croquettes. If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you’re already halfway there!

Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the mashed potatoes—garlic, chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can make these croquettes your own. You can also swap the cranberry mayo for a classic aioli or spicy dipping sauce if that’s more your style!

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’ve got picky eaters at the table or foodies who love trying new things, these croquettes will be a hit with everyone. The crispy outside, creamy inside, and tangy mayo are a perfect balance of flavors and textures that anyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful little bites:

Mashed Potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes are ideal for this recipe. If you’re making them fresh, make sure they’re creamy and smooth for the best croquette texture.

Breadcrumbs: This creates that golden, crispy coating. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your flavor preference.

Eggs: These help bind everything together and ensure the croquettes hold their shape while frying.

Cheese (optional): A little shredded cheese mixed into the mashed potatoes can make the croquettes extra indulgent. Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella are all great choices.

Cranberry Mayo: The star of the show! This tangy and sweet mayo pairs perfectly with the richness of the croquettes, giving each bite a burst of flavor.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break it down step-by-step and get you on your way to crispy, golden perfection:

Preheat Your Oil

Start by heating oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the croquettes halfway, so be sure to add enough for frying.

Form the Croquettes

Take your mashed potatoes and form them into small, oval-shaped balls or logs. Once you’ve shaped them, dip them into beaten eggs, then roll them in breadcrumbs until they’re fully coated. This creates that perfect crunchy exterior!

Fry to Perfection

Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them and drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Make the Cranberry Mayo

While your croquettes are frying, mix together your mayo with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Stir it until smooth and creamy. You can also add a little salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy croquettes with a side of that tangy cranberry mayo, and watch everyone dive in! These little bites are the perfect combination of creamy and crispy, with the mayo adding that delicious touch of sweetness and tartness.

How to Serve Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo

These croquettes are already amazing on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal even more, here are some serving suggestions:

Fresh Salads

Pair these croquettes with a light, refreshing salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will perfectly balance the richness of the croquettes.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini will add a vibrant and healthy touch to your plate while complementing the crispy croquettes.

Dipping Sauces

For an extra layer of flavor, you can serve these with a few different dipping sauces—perhaps a spicy mustard, a smoky barbecue sauce, or even a ranch dip to mix things up.

As an Appetizer or Side Dish

These croquettes are perfect as a party appetizer or served as a side dish alongside a hearty main course like roast chicken or steak.

Additional Tips

Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you’ve got leftovers from a previous meal, these croquettes are a great way to repurpose them! Just make sure they’re smooth and well-seasoned before you start.
Make It Ahead: You can form the croquettes and store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. This makes it easy to prepare them ahead of time for parties or busy weeknights.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these croquettes gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or on a skillet to get the exterior crispy again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these croquettes without cranberry mayo?
A1: Absolutely! You can dip them in ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy mustard sauce if you prefer. The croquettes are delicious on their own, but the mayo really adds something special.

Q2: Can I freeze these croquettes?
A2: Yes! Freeze them before frying, and when you’re ready to eat, fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet to get them nice and crispy again!

Q4: Can I double this recipe?
A4: Definitely! Just make sure to fry the croquettes in batches so they cook evenly and stay crispy.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A5: Yes, simply substitute the mashed potatoes with a dairy-free version, use a plant-based egg substitute for binding, and opt for vegan mayo for the cranberry sauce mixture.

Conclusion

These Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo are the perfect blend of comfort food and creativity. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy snack or serving them at your next gathering, they’re sure to impress. With their golden crunch and creamy interior, all balanced with that tangy-sweet mayo, these croquettes are a dish that everyone will be asking for seconds of. So go ahead—give them a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

Crispy Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo

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Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours chilling time for croquettes)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (for frying croquettes)
Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12–16 croquettes (depending on size) 1x
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Frying, Mixing
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Thanksgiving Leftover Mashed Potato Croquettes with Cranberry Mayo are a crispy and savory delight, perfect for using up those holiday leftovers. The crispy bacon and creamy cranberry mayo are the perfect pairing for rich mashed potatoes.

Instructions

For the cranberry mayo:

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and salt until fully combined.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made up to 4 days in advance.

For the mashed potato croquettes:

Fry the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and chives. Season to taste with salt.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoon portions of the mixture, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight.

Breading and frying:

In three shallow bowls, place the flour, whisked eggs, and a mixture of panko and plain breadcrumbs.
Heat enough vegetable oil in a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven to reach 1 inch up the side, and heat to 350ºF (180ºC).
Roll each croquette ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 1½ to 2 minutes per batch.
Remove from the oil and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.

Serve:

Arrange the croquettes on a platter and serve with the cranberry mayo on the side for dipping.

Notes

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can make fresh mashed potatoes and cool them before using.
You can adjust the seasoning of the cranberry mayo to suit your taste. Add more salt or a touch of pepper if needed.