Published: · Modified: by Lauren Aloise · This post may contain affiliate links ·
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
These quick and easy potato croquettes are infused with the delicious flavor of Manchego cheese for a Spanish twist on a classic. My irresistible potato croquettes recipe is perfect for dipping in spicy bravas sauce, tangy alioli, or creamy romesco. This cheap and easy recipe is a family favorite in my house -- my kids and husband can't get enough!
Croquettes are one of the most popular Spanish tapas. And while Spanish ham croquettes reign supreme, there are plenty of other options worth seeking out. From dark black squid ink croquettes to delicious and creamy cod croquettes (my favorites!) -- the sky is the limit. There are even dessert croquettes in some modern places!
But one of my favorite croquettes recipes is actually simple potato and cheese croquettes. And the main reason? They're quick!
These are ready in no time (the longest wait is boiling the potatoes) whereas for more traditional croquettes you have to wait for the bechamel sauce to cool down (which takes at least four hours in the fridge).
So when I want to make these, I simply boil a few potatoes in advance, and then the actual croquettes process takes only about 20 minutes! Well worth the effort I'd say.
The most classic potato croquettes have nothing but potato and egg, but I like these ones because they have delicious Manchego cheese as well. If you are a cheese lover (like me) add extra. Not into cheese? Just omit! And if you want to go crazy you could also add some Spanish jamón and/or some champiñones al ajillo (garlic mushrooms) to the mix. These are super versatile -- go crazy!
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients: Potatoes, egg, salt, pepper, cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, and oil.
Watch This Recipe
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
These potato and cheese croquettes are super versatile -- make them your own!
- Potatoes: Don't use new potatoes - go for something like Russet or Yukon Gold. The texture will be better. I also highly recommend investing in a potato ricer (like an enormous garlic press for potatoes!). This is also a tool needed to make homemade gnocchi (by the way!). The ricer helps the potatoes stay light and fluffy, a key to a good potato croquette.
- Spices: These are very simple -- just salt and pepper. But feel free to mix things up with a bit of cayenne -- curry powder (while not at all traditional) is also delicious.
- Cheese: I love these with Manchego cheese. The flavor isn't overpowering, but it's definitely there. I add ¾ cup shredded cheese to the recipe, but you can add less (for an even subtler taste), omit altogether, or add more!
- Breadcrumbs: I used classic store-bought breadcrumbs here, but feel free to make your own or mix things up with panko with extra crunch!
- Oil: Use virgin or extra virgin olive oil to fry if able (it's what we use in Spain and one of the reasons our fried foods are still healthy!). If you must substitute use a neutral oil like sunflower or canola.
- Additions: The best part of these croquettes is how easy they are to adapt! Add jamón, chorizo, extra cheese, sauteed mushrooms... the sky is the limit!
Serving Suggestions
I love these croquettes as a starter, or as a part of any Spanish tapas feast. They can be part of a full meal, or a simple snack (and are delicious any time of day -- even for brunch!). If you like sauces with your fried foods, these go well with any Spanish sauce -- try them with homemade bravas sauce, alioli, mojo picón, or even romesco sauce.
More Easy Fried Tapas Recipes
If you're already heating up the oil to fry these croquettes, why not add a few more tapas to the menu?
- Pimientos de Padrón: Spain's famous fried green peppers. Flash fried and sprinkled with sea salt!
- Shrimp fritters: These delicious Andalusian specialties are the best part of summer meals!
- Ham Croquettes: The most famous Spanish croquette recipe with good reason -- they are delicious!
- Fried Calamari: Tender fried rings of squid, Spanish style!
Hungry for more? Sign up for my free weekly newsletter and receive a new Spanish recipe once a week! Join today and get my FREE Spanish ingredient essentials guide!
Potato Croquettes Recipe - Traditional Spanish Recipe
Potato Croquettes
Creamy potato and cheese croquettes are easy to make and a delicious snack any time of day.
4.88 from 8 votes
Print (images optional) Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Starter, Tapa, Tapas/ Starter
Cuisine: Spanish
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 20 croquettes (approx.)
Calories: 82.29kcal
Author: Lauren Aloise
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs potatoes (680 grams) Yukon Gold and Russet both work well. Boiled until soft (about 20-25 minutes), riced or mashed, and left to cool.
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 teaspoon salt I recommend adding the salt before the beaten egg so that you can taste the filling and make sure to season properly. I tend to add a bit more salt but two teaspoons is a good starting point.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Same thing with the pepper -- I often add two teaspoon but I love the flavor of black pepper in these!
- ¾ cup grated cured Manchego cheese (about 60 grams) You can sub any cured sheep's milk cheese here for a similar taste, though Manchego is absolutely perfect!
- ½ cup Flour as needed for breading process (start with about ½ a cup, or 60 grams)
- 2 eggs beaten (for the breading process -- if your eggs are large you might be able to use only one with a splash of water)
- ¾ cup Breadcrumbs 100 grams. You can probably use less but I like having plenty to bread a few at a time.
- olive oil for frying (olive oil is preferred and does affect the taste -- but if you must substitute use a neutral oil such as sunflower).
Instructions
Wash and peel the potatoes and cut them into equal sized chunks if they are large.
Cover them with cold water and bring to a boil.
Add salt and boil until a butter knife pierces through easily.
Strain all the water and pass through a potato ricer (preferred method) or mash until just mashed -- you don't want to make them dense here (which is why the potato ricer is worth investing in!). Let them cool.
To make the croquette filling, mix the riced potatoes with the beaten egg, salt, pepper, and cheese. Do not overmix. If you want to taste the filling for seasoning, just add the egg as the last step.
Next, while heating a pan full of olive oil on the stove, pass the croquettes through the three step breading process. First, cover them in flour, then in beaten egg, and, finally, in the breadcrumbs.
Deep fry the croquettes in hot olive oil (if available) or vegetable oil/sunflower oil if not. They should take 3-4 minutes to brown. You can also pan fry them in less oil, flipping halfway through, but make sure they cook evenly on all sides.
Let the potato croquettes rest on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 82.29kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.38g | Protein: 3.27g | Fat: 3.05g | Saturated Fat: 1.41g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.28g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.78g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 29.09mg | Sodium: 289.54mg | Potassium: 162.35mg | Fiber: 0.98g | Sugar: 0.47g | Vitamin A: 60.17IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 59.12mg | Iron: 0.67mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @spanishsabores on IG and hashtag it #spanishsabores!
This potato croquettes recipe is my go-to tapas dish for a fun party, and kids love them too! They may be time-consuming, but worth every bite!
See Also
Salt Cod Croquettes (Croquetas de Bacalao)
Spanish Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón Serrano)
More Recipes
- Tortillitas de Camarones (Spanish Shrimp Fritters)
- Spanish Roasted Lamb (Cordero con Patatas y Cebolla)
- Spanish Tomato Sauce Recipe (Salsa de Tomate)
Reader Interactions
Comments
Mary
Love making these, I’ve also made it with sweet potatoes
Reply
Jeneva Takasawa
It's scrumptious - I added bits of ham not too much, though. Thanks again, Lauren!Reply
johnn
nice and tasty
Reply
Shirlee Wechsler
I have not tried thehe recipe,will give review later
Reply
David Crichton
I'm loving how you've made these croquettes, Lauren. No breadcrumbs, where's the aioli and they'll be gone in seconds.
We share some locations between us. I was offered a soccer scholarship at your University back in the day. I then lived in Jerez for a year while I was doing my flying training. I don't have any Madrid connections!
Looking forward to your updates.
Dave
Reply
Jessica of HolaYessica
I'm with Paddy on this one - I'm a bad cook but good taster! These look amazing, I've never tried potato croquettes before.
Reply
Christine
Mmm, those sound great!
Reply
Paddy Waller
I am a terrible cook but an amazingly good taster. These sound right up my street especially with spicy bravas sauceReply
