Blog Post: Crispy Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy croquette, especially when it’s filled with the rich flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. These Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a savory treat, these croquettes will surely impress.
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 15-18 croquettes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly mashed potatoes (or 1 package roasted garlic mashed potatoes, prepared) 🥔
- 1 cup lightly packed sauerkraut, drained well 🌿
- 1/2 pound deli corned beef, sliced into 1/4-inch dice 🥩
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 🧀
- 1 large egg, beaten 🥚
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 1/4 cups panko crumbs 🍞
- 2 large eggs + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash 🥄
- Thousand Island Dressing for dipping 🥫
- Neutral oil for deep frying (canola or vegetable oil) 🛢️
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. If using a package of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, follow the package instructions but reduce the liquid by 1/4 cup to keep the filling from becoming too wet. Spread the mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl to cool, then refrigerate while preparing the other ingredients.
2️⃣ Drain the Sauerkraut:
Place the sauerkraut in a fine mesh sieve and use a spoon or spatula to press out as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid and set the drained sauerkraut aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Corned Beef:
Take the deli corned beef and slice it into 1/4-inch strips, then dice the strips into 1/4-inch pieces. Set the diced corned beef aside.
4️⃣ Chop the Swiss Cheese:
Coarsely chop any long strands of Swiss cheese to ensure even distribution in the croquette mixture. Set aside.
5️⃣ Set Up the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs and water together to create an egg wash. Finally, place the panko crumbs in a third shallow bowl.
6️⃣ Make the Croquette Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and beaten egg. Mix everything together until well combined.
7️⃣ Form the Croquettes:
Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined surface. If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands with a bit of water. Repeat this process until all of the mixture is used up.
8️⃣ Bread the Croquettes:
Preheat oil in a medium saucepan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Working one at a time, coat each croquette ball in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally roll it in the panko crumbs. Place the breaded croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all of the croquettes.
9️⃣ Fry the Croquettes:
Gently lower 4 croquettes at a time into the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. Transfer the fried croquettes to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
🔟 Serve:
Serve the croquettes hot, accompanied by Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy exterior and savory filling!
These Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes are the ultimate comfort food, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to dip them in the Thousand Island dressing for that extra burst of flavor!
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Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes
- Yield: 15-18 croquettes 1x
Ingredients
2 cups freshly mashed potatoes (or 1 package roasted garlic mashed potatoes, prepared) 🥔
1 cup lightly packed sauerkraut, drained well 🌿
1/2 pound deli corned beef, sliced into 1/4-inch dice 🥩
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese 🧀
1 large egg, beaten 🥚
1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/8 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
1 1/4 cups panko crumbs 🍞
2 large eggs + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash 🥄
Thousand Island Dressing for dipping 🥫
Neutral oil for deep frying (canola or vegetable oil) 🛢️
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Follow the package instructions for mashed potatoes, but reduce the liquid by 1/4 cup to avoid making the filling too wet. Spread the mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl to cool faster and refrigerate while preparing other ingredients. ❄️
2️⃣ Drain Sauerkraut: Place sauerkraut in a fine mesh sieve and press out the liquid using a spoon or spatula. Discard the liquid and set the drained sauerkraut aside. 🌬️
3️⃣ Prepare Corned Beef: Slice the corned beef into 1/4-inch strips, then dice into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside. ✂️
4️⃣ Chop Swiss Cheese: Coarsely chop any long strands of Swiss cheese. Set aside. 🔪
5️⃣ Set Up Breading Station: Place flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and water together for an egg wash. Add panko crumbs to a third shallow bowl. 🥣
6️⃣ Make Croquette Filling: Add the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and beaten egg to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined. 🥄
7️⃣ Form Croquettes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment paper-lined surface. If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them with water. Repeat until all the mixture is used. ⚪
8️⃣ Bread the Croquettes: Preheat oil in a medium saucepan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Working one at a time, coat each croquette ball in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally roll in panko crumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all croquettes. 🔥
9️⃣ Fry the Croquettes: Gently lower 4 croquettes at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. 🥘
🔟 Serve: Serve the croquettes hot with Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Enjoy! 🍴