Name: Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds (908g) Russet potatoes or other dry, floury potato; 1/2 cup (45g) grated Pecorino Romano; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup (33g) flour for dredging; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs; Oil for frying (enough to fill pan with 1-inch depth, heated to 350°F/177°C)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a truly irresistible snack, the Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe is your new go-to. These golden, crispy bites have a soft, flavorful interior made from fluffy potatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese, seasoned with fresh parsley and a hint of black pepper. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, they deliver that perfect combination of crunch and creaminess that feels both comforting and elegant. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile—you can customize the filling or enjoy them as-is, making this recipe a total winner for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark wooden board with three large, light brown potatoes lined up at the top right, a small clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top left, below it a similar bowl filled with golden breadcrumbs, a wedge of pale yellow cheese with a dark rind sits to the right of the breadcrumbs, a wooden bowl holding six brown eggs at the bottom left, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley positioned at the bottom right, all arranged neatly on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Everything you need for this Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe is pretty straightforward, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in building the delicious crust and creamy interior that make these croquettes so memorable.

Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden-fried exterior without burning.
2 pounds Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes give you a light, fluffy texture that’s ideal for croquettes.
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano: This sharp cheese adds a punch of savory flavor and salty richness to the mix.
3 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and help with that wonderful golden coating.
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor and adds a subtle herbaceous note.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, balancing the creamy potato center.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
1/4 cup flour for dredging: Helps the coating stick to the croquettes during frying.
1 cup breadcrumbs: These create a wonderfully crunchy shell on the outside.

How to Make Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by steaming or baking your potatoes until they’re tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and run the potatoes through a potato ricer. This step is the secret to that beautifully smooth, fluffy texture you’ll want inside every croquette.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Gently combine the riced potatoes with your beaten eggs, freshly minced Italian parsley, black pepper, sea salt, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. If the mixture feels too wet to hold shape, add a tablespoon of flour and gently mix. The perfect consistency is slightly moist but firm enough to form croquettes without falling apart.

Step 3: Portion the Croquettes

Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto a baking sheet—this should give you around 10 to 12 scoops. Then divide those into halves to create approximately 20 to 24 small croquettes. Laying them on parchment paper keeps things neat and easy to work with.

Step 4: Coat the Croquettes

Set up your dredging station with three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Shape each potato portion into an oval tube shape, then dip first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it into the egg wash before coating it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined tray. You can either refrigerate them to set (even overnight!) or move directly to frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of oil in a heavy pan to 350°F. Fry the croquettes in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan, so they cook evenly. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden on all sides. For the first batch, taste one immediately—this helps you decide if you want to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oil.

How to Serve Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe

The image shows several golden-brown croquettes with a crispy, rough breadcrumb coating scattered closely together on a white marbled surface. Each croquette is oval-shaped with some garnished with small green herb leaves on top. A small white bowl with a smooth creamy dipping sauce is placed on the right side, partially visible, and also has a few green herb leaves sprinkled near the edge. The croquettes have a crunchy texture with some darker toasted spots, arranged in one layer filling most of the image frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your croquettes. Sprinkle fresh parsley or flaky sea salt right after frying for a fresh herby note and a satisfying crunch finish. A drizzle of aged balsamic or a dollop of good-quality marinara sauce makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These croquettes are incredibly versatile for pairing. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. They also make a fantastic companion to a bowl of warm, rustic tomato soup for cozy comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Skewer a few croquettes with colorful veggies for a fun appetizer platter or serve them in mini paper cones lined with parchment for casual parties. You can also stuff them with bits of cooked chicken or melted mozzarella before coating to surprise and delight guests with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them crispy, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These croquettes freeze beautifully! After shaping and breading, arrange them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen for a quick snack or appetizer.

Reheating

To reheat, bake croquettes in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crispy coating.

FAQs

Can I use potatoes other than Russet for this Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe?

While Russets are preferred for their high starch and fluffy texture, you can use other floury potatoes like Yukon Gold. Waxy potatoes tend to be too moist and will make it harder for the croquettes to hold shape.

Can I add fillings like cheese or meat inside the croquettes?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Try inserting small pieces of mozzarella, cooked chicken, or ham inside the potato mixture before coating and frying for a delicious surprise.

Is it possible to bake the croquettes instead of frying?

Yes, baking is possible for a lighter option. Place the coated croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush them with a bit of oil, and bake at 400°F until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the croquettes from falling apart?

Make sure your potato mixture is the right consistency—moist but firm enough to hold shape. If too wet, add a bit of flour. Also, refrigerating the coated croquettes before frying helps them set and hold together better.

Can I prepare the croquettes in advance?

Definitely. You can prepare and bread the croquettes the day before. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to fry or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Italian Potato Croquettes. Crispy, cheesy, and just bursting with flavor, this Italian Potato Croquettes Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, they’re sure to be the star of the table. Go ahead, give them a try, and watch everyone fall in love bite after golden bite!