I’m so happy to share this Crocchette di Patate Filled with Cheese recipe with you because it is a true Italian comfort classic. These potato croquettes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. Each one hides a warm, melty cheese center that makes every bite extra special. They are simple, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 1 hour
Prep Time: about 45 minutes
Cook Time: about 15 minutes
Yield: about 18 croquettes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
I still remember enjoying potato croquettes like these when I was younger, they always felt like a special treat. The smell of frying potatoes and cheese is something that instantly makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.
This recipe is a classic Italian favorite, often served as a starter or small side dish. Mashed potatoes are mixed with cheese and simple seasoning, then shaped and filled with more cheese before frying.
These croquettes are great for parties, family dinners, or when you want something comforting and homemade. They are easy to prepare and always a crowd pleaser.
How to Make Crocchette Di Patate Filled With Cheese
This dish is all about crispy outsides and soft, cheesy centers. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Potatoes boiled with the skin on to keep them dry
• Mashed potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and seasoning
• Small portions shaped by hand
• Cheese tucked inside each croquette
• A simple egg and breadcrumb coating
• Frying until golden and crisp
Once cooked, these croquettes are crunchy, creamy, and best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
• 1 kg potatoes
• 4 eggs
• 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 150 g breadcrumbs
• 250 g mozzarella or pizza style cheese, cut into small cubes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Nutmeg, a small pinch
• About 1 liter sunflower oil, for frying
Directions
- Boil the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a large pot with their skins on and cover with water. Boil for about 30 minutes, until soft when pierced with a fork. Drain and let them cool slightly. - Mash the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes while still warm. Mash them well using a potato masher or grinder and place them in a large bowl. - Mix the Potato Base:
Add 2 eggs, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the potatoes. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. - Shape the Croquettes:
Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and place it in your palm. Press gently to make a small space in the center. - Fill with Cheese:
Place a cube of mozzarella in the middle. Close the potato mixture around it and roll gently into a round ball. Repeat until all mixture is used. - Prepare the Coating:
Beat the remaining 2 eggs in a bowl. Place breadcrumbs on a plate. - Coat the Croquettes:
Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully covered. - Fry Until Golden:
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry about 4 to 5 croquettes at a time for around 3 to 4 minutes, turning gently, until golden on all sides. - Drain and Finish:
Remove the croquettes and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve warm.
Process Details
• Boiling with Skin On: Keeping the skin on helps the potatoes absorb less water.
• Cooling Before Mixing: Letting the potatoes cool slightly keeps the mixture firm.
• Cheese Choice: Using low moisture mozzarella helps prevent leaking during frying.
• Gentle Frying: Medium heat helps the croquettes cook evenly without burning.
• Small Batches: Frying a few at a time keeps the oil at the right temperature.
Tips for Success
• Use starchy potatoes for a fluffy texture.
• Make sure the potato mixture is not too wet before shaping.
• If the mixture feels soft, add a little more Parmesan or breadcrumbs.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
• Keep an eye on oil temperature to avoid dark browning.
• You can add small pieces of cooked ham inside with the cheese if you like.
Serving Ideas
• Classic Starter: Serve warm as an appetizer before dinner.
• Party Snack: Place on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Simple Dip: Serve with a small bowl of tomato sauce on the side.
• Family Style: Add to the table with other fried snacks and salads.
• Light Meal: Pair with a fresh green salad.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store cooled croquettes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at about 350°F until hot and crisp again.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded croquettes for up to 2 months.
• Frying from Frozen: Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Texture Note: Fried croquettes are best fresh, but reheated ones are still tasty.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~210
• Protein: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~24g
• Fat: ~9g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~360mg
• Sugar: ~2g
Crocchette di Patate Filled with Cheese are crispy, comforting, and full of simple Italian flavor. They use basic ingredients and turn them into something special that everyone loves.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these croquettes at home. Once you try them, they are sure to become a favorite on your table.
