Name: Smoked Trout Croquettes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 60
Ingredients: 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 1/2 lb. total), peeled, quartered; Kosher salt; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/4 cup); 1/4 cup chopped chives; 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten, divided; 8 oz. smoked trout, skin and any large pin bones removed, shredded; 2 oz. low-moisture mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup); 2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs); Canola or vegetable oil (for frying; about 6 cups); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Smoked trout croquettes on a platter with sliced lemons surrounded by plates a glass of white wine and a glass of Lambrusco.

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Liza Jernow

These bite-size mashed potato croquettes are filled with smoked trout, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chives. Freshly fried, they’re just the kind of gooey, salty, and crispy finger food a cocktail party needs. But for easier hosting, the croquettes can be formed up to two days ahead of time before cooking.

Recipe information

Total Time
1 hour
Yield
Makes about 60

Ingredients

6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 1/2 lb. total), peeled, quartered

Kosher salt

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)

1/4 cup chopped chives

2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 large eggs, lightly beaten, divided

8 oz. smoked trout, skin and any large pin bones removed, shredded

2 oz. low-moisture mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup)

2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Canola or vegetable oil (for frying; about 6 cups)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Cover potatoes with cold salted water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium, covered, then reduce heat as needed to maintain a simmer until potatoes are tender, 20–30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Step 2
Mash warm potatoes with butter, then stir in Parmesan, chives, horseradish, pepper, 2 beaten eggs, and 1/2 tsp. salt until smooth. Fold in trout and mozzarella. Form potato mixture into about 60 round croquettes (about 2 Tbsp. each).
Step 3
Place remaining 2 beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Place panko in another shallow bowl. Dip 1 croquette into egg, letting excess drip off, then roll in panko to coat. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining croquettes.
Step 4
Pour oil into a large pot to a depth of 4". Heat over medium-high until it sizzles when you toss in a pinch of panko or a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°. Working in batches, fry croquettes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain; season with salt. Serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside.
Step 5
Do Ahead: Croquettes can be formed and coated 2 days ahead. Cover and chill on baking sheet.