Crispy Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce

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### **Instructions for Making Crispy Potato Croquettes:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water.
– Bring the water to a boil, and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes.
– Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them well, ensuring there are no lumps. Let them cool slightly before continuing.

#### 2. **Form the Croquettes:**
– Once the mashed potatoes are cool enough to handle, add **breadcrumbs**, **Parmesan cheese**, **chopped parsley**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix everything together until well combined.
– Using your hands, form the mashed potato mixture into small oval or cylindrical shapes. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of mixture per croquette. Roll each croquette in **extra breadcrumbs** to coat them evenly.

#### 3. **Fry the Croquettes:**
– Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep, allowing the croquettes to fry evenly.
– Dip each croquette in the **beaten egg**, then carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
– Cook the croquettes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

#### 4. **Prepare the Cheese Sauce:**
– While the croquettes are frying, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat.
– Once melted, whisk in the **flour** and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will help thicken the sauce).
– Gradually pour in the **milk**, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
– Once thickened, reduce the heat and stir in the **shredded cheese** until it’s fully melted and smooth.
– Season the sauce with **salt**, **pepper**, and **mustard powder** (if using) to taste. Keep the sauce warm on low heat while you finish frying the croquettes.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the croquettes are golden and crispy, arrange them on a serving platter. Serve them immediately with the warm cheese sauce for dipping. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

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### **Tips for Perfect Croquettes:**

– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the croquettes in advance and refrigerate them before frying. This will help them hold their shape better when frying.

– **Customize the Cheese Sauce:** Feel free to use a mix of cheeses for a more complex sauce. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère all make fantastic options for a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

– **Crispiness:** For an extra-crispy coating, you can double coat the croquettes by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.

– **Baking Option:** If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the croquettes instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at **400°F (200°C)** for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

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### **Why These Crispy Potato Croquettes Are a Must-Try:**

These **Crispy Potato Croquettes with Cheese Sauce** are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, savory, and cheesy, making them a universally loved snack or side dish. They’re ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a comforting treat after a long day. The combination of mashed potatoes and cheese sauce provides the ultimate indulgence, while the crispiness of the croquettes ensures a satisfying bite every time.

The best part? They are easily customizable to suit your taste! You can add in herbs, spices, or even some finely chopped vegetables for extra flavor. Whether served as a simple side dish or as the star of the show, these croquettes will quickly become a favorite at your table.

So, grab your ingredients and start frying these crispy, cheesy delights—you won’t regret it!