Say goodbye to bland, reheated leftovers and hello to a culinary transformation! These Mashed Potato Croquettes are the ultimate solution for giving new life to your Thanksgiving feast. Crafted from fluffy mashed potatoes, savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty Ranch seasoning, each bite offers a delightful contrast – a perfectly crispy exterior giving way to a smooth, creamy, and incredibly flavorful interior. Get ready to fall in love with your leftovers all over again!
The Undeniable Charm of Thanksgiving Leftovers
For many, the Thanksgiving meal is an event in itself, a grand culinary celebration. Yet, there’s a special kind of magic that unfolds in the days following the feast: the leftovers. I don’t know about you, but in my household, Thanksgiving leftovers are almost as anticipated as the holiday dinner. When I plan our holiday menu, I always factor in enough food to ensure we can enjoy the bounty for at least another two or three days. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about extending the joy and creating new traditions with familiar flavors.
While a simple plate of reheated turkey and stuffing is comforting, the real fun begins when we get creative. Transforming these beloved ingredients into entirely new dishes prevents palate fatigue and turns a second meal into a fresh, exciting experience. That’s precisely where these incredible Mashed Potato Croquettes shine. They take one of the most classic Thanksgiving sides – mashed potatoes – and elevate it into something truly spectacular.
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Reinventing Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple on any holiday table, but let’s be honest, they don’t always reheat well on their own. They can become gummy, dry, or lose their creamy texture. This is why transforming them into crispy croquettes is such a brilliant idea! It’s a fantastic way to revitalize leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into a dish that’s even more exciting than the original. Plus, it’s an excellent method to utilize those smaller bits and pieces of leftover ham that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. It works wonderfully with virtually any type of leftover mashed potatoes you might have. Whether you’re starting with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, rich Mayonnaise Mashed Potatoes, convenient Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, or even store-bought mashed potatoes, the result will be equally delightful. The key is to ensure your mashed potatoes aren’t too watery; if they are, a little extra flour or breadcrumbs can help firm up the mixture.
Crafting Your Crispy Delights: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these sensational Mashed Potato Croquettes is simpler than you might think, and the payoff is a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for more. Let’s walk through the process, ensuring every croquette comes out perfectly golden and delicious.
1. Preparing the Flavorful Potato Mixture
Start by placing your leftover mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. This forms the creamy base for our croquettes. The secret to their incredible taste is the addition of Ranch seasoning – a true game-changer! Mix in a generous tablespoon of dry Ranch seasoning mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. Next, crack in one slightly beaten egg. The egg acts as a crucial binder, holding all the ingredients together so your croquettes don’t fall apart during frying.
Now it’s time to incorporate the additional savory elements. Fold in two sliced green onions for a mild, fresh onion flavor, half a cup of finely diced ham for a delicious salty chew, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy note. Gently stir everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the mashed potatoes gluey, so aim for a light touch.
2. Shaping for Perfection
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape your croquettes. Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and roll it into a golf ball-sized sphere. Then, gently flatten it slightly to create a disc shape, roughly about 1/2 inch thick. This shape helps them cook more evenly and provides a larger surface area for that satisfying crunch. Consistency in size is important for uniform cooking, so try to make them all similar.
3. The Secret to Crispy Perfection: Breading
The magic touch for that irresistible crispiness comes from the breading. Place about one cup of Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) in a shallow dish. Panko crumbs are highly recommended here because their flakier texture results in a lighter, crispier coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs. Carefully coat each potato disc entirely in the Panko crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. This crunchy coating is what transforms a simple mashed potato into a gourmet delight. Arrange the coated croquettes on a baking sheet as you go.
4. Chilling for Stability
Before frying, refrigerate your shaped and breaded croquettes for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! Chilling helps the croquettes firm up, making them less likely to break apart when they hit the hot oil. It also helps the breading adhere better, ensuring a crispier final product.
5. Frying for Golden Goodness
Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when a test crumb is dropped in, but not smoking. Carefully place half of your croquettes into the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy rather than crispy croquettes. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once the first batch is done, remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining oil and the second batch of croquettes.
6. The Flavorful Finishing Touch: Ranch Sour Cream Dip
To complete this taste sensation, mix the remaining Ranch seasoning packet into an 8-ounce container of sour cream. This creates a quick, zesty, and creamy dipping sauce that perfectly complements the rich, savory croquettes. The cool tang of the sour cream with the herbaceous punch of Ranch is an ideal counterpoint to the warm, crispy potato bites.
If you’re a devoted fan of Ranch flavor, like I am, prepare to be utterly smitten by these Mashed Potato Croquettes. Every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable leftover dish!
Creative Twists: Croquette Variations
One of the best things about this Mashed Potato Croquette recipe is how wonderfully customizable it is. Feel free to experiment with ingredients you have on hand or flavors you love!
- Bacon Instead of Ham: For an equally savory and even crispier texture, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon bits instead of ham. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap out green onions for fresh chives, finely chopped parsley, or a mix of herbs like dill or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra vegetables by adding half a cup of steamed and finely chopped broccoli, corn, or peas to the potato mixture. This adds color, nutrition, and texture.
- Cheese Please! While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to use other cheeses. Parmesan cheese offers a sharper, saltier kick, while Monterey Jack provides a creamier melt. A blend of cheeses can also be fantastic.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely minced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) into the potato mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily make these vegetarian by omitting the ham and bacon. You can add extra vegetables, a different cheese, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These versatile Mashed Potato Croquettes can effortlessly transition between roles on your dining table. They make an impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings, or a delightful side dish alongside various main courses. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:
- Classic Dip: My absolute favorite way to serve them is with a dollop of that zesty sour cream mixed with Ranch seasoning, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh green onion.
- Beyond Ranch: Consider other dipping sauces like sriracha mayo for a spicy kick, a classic marinara for an Italian twist, or even a tangy barbecue sauce.
- Brunch Star: Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a unique and satisfying brunch.
- Main Course Accompaniment: They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak. They also make a fantastic addition to a casual burger night.
- Soup & Salad Companion: Enjoy them as a hearty complement to a light soup or fresh green salad.
Storage & Reheating for Continued Enjoyment
These Mashed Potato Croquettes are so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, don’t worry – they store and reheat beautifully, allowing you to savor them for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat croquettes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the croquettes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Air Fryer Method: An air fryer is another excellent option for reheating, ensuring maximum crispiness. Place the croquettes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crisp.
- Freezing (Uncooked): To prepare ahead, you can freeze uncooked, breaded croquettes. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1-2 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
The Recipe: Mashed Potato Croquettes
Mashed Potato Croquettes
By Christin Mahrlig
40
10
50
6 servings
Equipment
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Large Nonstick Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 (1-ounce) packet Hidden Valley Dips Mix, Original Ranch, divided
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup finely diced ham
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Panko or bread crumbs
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
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Place mashed potatoes in a large bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon of Ranch mix. Add egg and mix in well.
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Add green onions, diced ham, and shredded cheddar, and stir to combine. Shape into golf ball-sized balls and flatten some. Coat each side in Panko crumbs and place on a baking sheet.
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Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
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Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan. Place half of croquettes in pan and cook until golden brown on bottom. Flip over and cook until the second side is golden brown.
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Repeat with second batch, using remaining oil.
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Stir remaining ranch mix into sour cream and serve with croquettes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
If you’re still looking for creative ways to use up your holiday bounty, check out these other fantastic recipes that transform classic Thanksgiving dishes into something new and exciting:
- Thanksgiving Wontons
- Thanksgiving Crescent Rolls
- Leftover Turkey Jambalaya
- Slow Cooker Cajun Turkey Soup
- Southwestern Turkey Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
What are your favorite ways to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers? Share your ideas and traditions in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Glad & Hidden Valley Ranch. The opinions and text are all mine.
Originally posted November 18, 2015