Mashed Potato and Ham Croquettes

Mashed potatoes are a common leftover in many houses. Once they're cold and hardened, there are a few ways of bringing them back to life, such as with a little cream or butter. But why simply resurrect them when the mashed potatoes you have in your fridge can be the centerpiece for a whole new recipe, this delicious mash and ham croquette? With a few simple additional ingredients, these patties can be a great appetizer or side dish, or a meal in themselves when served with a salad or roasted vegetables. Mashed potatoes, ham, onions, seasonings, flour, and butter make a fluffy croquette in minutes. Simply pan fry them in vegetable oil to achieve a golden-brown crust and serve right away. Tasty, easy, and ideal for a weeknight meal, these patties also freeze well before frying.

Classic croquettes come in many varieties and most are deep-fried to make a thick, crunchy outer crust. Our patties have a delicious crust without the added oil, but if you'd prefer them crispier you can always air-fry them at 350 F for 5 to 7 minutes, turning them once. Croquettes come with seafood, beef, pork, and chicken fillings. Some are vegetarian and generous in cheese and vegetables. Most use flour, eggs, or both to bind meats and seasonings together. Most cuisines have a version of a croquette and their ingredients are as varied as the countries they come from. In the United States, crabcakes and ham or salmon croquettes are very common. But you can make your own version by interpreting our recipe. Simply mix mashed potatoes with whatever cooked meat you have, season well, add some spice, roll in breadcrumbs or flour, and voilá! You've just made your own croquette.

If using this recipe as an appetizer, serve with table sauces, from plain hot sauce to Russian dressing, tzatziki, honey-mustard, or chipotle mayonnaise.