Easy Homemade Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes Recipe

Corned beef and sauerkraut croquettes represent a delightful fusion of hearty flavors that reimagine traditional ingredients into an irresistible appetizer.

This innovative dish combines the rich, savory essence of tender corned beef with the tangy zest of fermented cabbage.

Crispy golden exteriors give way to a creamy, well-seasoned interior that promises a satisfying culinary experience.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how these bite-sized morsels elevate classic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each croquette tells a story of cultural culinary creativity, blending techniques from different cooking traditions.

The recipe offers a perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet innovation, making it ideal for gatherings or casual dining.

These croquettes will definitely impress your guests with their unexpected flavor profile and delightful texture.

Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes With a Crunchy Twist

• Craft Comfort Fusion: Transform classic deli flavors into crispy, irresistible bite-sized treats that blend corned beef, sauerkraut, and potatoes into one delightful appetizer.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Technique: Master a simple breading method that guarantees golden, crunchy exteriors with minimal cooking skills, making these croquettes perfect for casual gatherings and unexpected guests.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Adventure: Experience a delicious contrast between the crispy panko coating and the soft, savory interior filled with tangy sauerkraut, rich corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese that creates an exciting mouthfeel in every bite.

Ingredients for Bold-Tasting Corned Beef Croquettes

Main Ingredients:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that provides structure and binding for the croquettes, best when slightly firmer to hold shape.

• Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese: Classic deli combo that brings rich, savory flavor with a hearty protein punch.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that adds zesty brightness and traditional European flair.

• Flour: Helps create first dry layer for coating and ensures crispy exterior.
• Eggs, Water: Sticky binding agent that helps breading adhere perfectly to croquettes.
• Panko Crumbs: Light, airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create extra crispy golden crust.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Thousand Island Dressing: Classic tangy dipping sauce that complements the rich croquettes.

How to Cook Corned Beef Croquettes to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Potato Base

• Whip up mashed potatoes following package instructions
• Reduce liquid slightly to prevent soggy texture
• Spread potatoes in a wide bowl to cool quickly
• Chill in refrigerator while preparing other ingredients

Step 2: Drain Tangy Sauerkraut

• Place sauerkraut in fine mesh strainer
• Press out excess liquid using spatula
• Gently squeeze to remove moisture
• Set drained sauerkraut aside

Step 3: Chop Savory Corned Beef

• Slice corned beef into thin strips
• Dice strips into small uniform pieces
• Ensure pieces are bite-sized and consistent

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Chunks

• Roughly chop Swiss cheese
• Break down any long cheese strands
• Create small, manageable cheese bits

Step 5: Create Breading Station

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Water
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Separate into three shallow dishes

Step 6: Mix Flavorful Filling

• Cooled mashed potatoes
• Chopped corned beef
• Drained sauerkraut
• Cheese pieces
• Beaten egg
• Blend until well incorporated

Step 7: Shape Delightful Croquettes

• Scoop two tablespoons of mixture
• Roll into smooth balls
• Place on parchment-lined surface
• Dampen hands with water if mixture sticks
• Create consistent-sized croquettes

Step 8: Coat Croquettes

• Dredge each ball in flour mixture
• Dip in egg wash
• Roll in panko breadcrumbs
• Ensure complete and even coating
• Place on clean parchment sheet

Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat oil to 350°F in deep skillet
• Carefully lower 4 croquettes at a time
• Fry until rich golden brown
• Cook 2-3 minutes, turning midway
• Drain on wire rack

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate hot croquettes immediately
• Offer Thousand Island dressing on side
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
• Serve as appetizer or main course

Clever Tips for Making Sauerkraut Croquettes Stand Out

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the potato-corned beef mixture for 30 minutes before forming croquettes to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Pat Sauerkraut Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from sauerkraut, ensuring crispy croquettes with the perfect texture.
• Keep Oil Consistent: Maintain steady oil temperature at 350°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the inside.
• Prevent Sticking: Dampen hands with water or coat them lightly with oil when rolling croquettes to prevent mixture from clinging to your fingers.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried croquettes on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crispy breading from becoming soggy.

Reheat and Store Corned Beef Croquettes Without Soggy Results

• Refrigeration: Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange croquettes on a baking sheet, spread them evenly, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even warming.
• Reheating Air Fryer Method: Place croquettes in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket midway to restore crunchiness and restore their original crisp texture.

Best Bites to Pair With Corned Beef Croquettes

• Pair with Tangy Irish Ale: Grab a crisp, malty Irish red ale that complements the rich corned beef and cuts through the sauerkraut's tanginess. The beer's caramel notes will enhance the croquettes' crispy exterior.
• Create a Zesty Slaw Side: Whip up a light, creamy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh dill. The refreshing crunch will balance the deep-fried croquettes and provide a bright counterpoint to the heavy flavors.
• Serve with Spicy Mustard Dip: Blend Dijon mustard with horseradish and a touch of honey for a bold, zingy sauce. This condiment will wake up the palate and add an extra layer of excitement to each crispy bite.
• Pour Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio with good acidity. These wines will cut through the richness of the fried croquettes and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Fillings and Flavor Variations for These Croquettes

• Reuben-Style Remix: Transform the croquettes by adding a layer of Russian dressing inside the mixture and sprinkling caraway seeds for an authentic Reuben sandwich flavor profile.
• Smoky Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and a touch of smoked paprika into the potato mixture to give the croquettes a spicy, smoky dimension that complements the corned beef.
• Vegetarian Potato Swap: Replace corned beef with roasted mushrooms and add extra Swiss cheese to create a meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory essence of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Mix in some chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, then serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce to give these croquettes a Greek-inspired culinary adventure.

Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Croquettes Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Corned beef and sauerkraut croquettes blend Irish-American comfort with crispy texture and tangy flavor. Hearty potato-packed bites marry savory meat and zesty sauerkraut, promising a delightful culinary adventure that will surprise and satisfy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• ½ pound deli corned beef, sliced into ¼-inch dice
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese

Binding and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups freshly mashed potatoes
• 1 cup lightly packed sauerkraut, drained well
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups panko crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• Neutral oil for deep frying (canola or vegetable oil)
• Thousand Island Dressing for dipping

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Instructions

1. Craft the potato base by preparing mashed potatoes with reduced liquid, spreading them in a mixing bowl to expedite cooling, then refrigerate while assembling remaining components.
2. Thoroughly drain sauerkraut using a fine mesh sieve, pressing out excess moisture with gentle pressure and discarding liquid.
3. Transform corned beef into precise quarter-inch dice, ensuring uniform texture throughout the mixture.
4. Fragment Swiss cheese into manageable coarse pieces, preparing for seamless integration into the filling.
5. Construct a three-part breading configuration: seasoned flour mixture, whisked egg solution, and crisp panko crumbs arranged in separate shallow vessels.
6. Merge cooled mashed potatoes with diced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese fragments, and beaten egg, blending until ingredients harmonize completely.
7. Methodically shape potato mixture into consistent spherical forms, utilizing approximately two tablespoons per croquette. Dampen hands if mixture becomes adhesive to maintain smooth rolling technique.
8. Heat cooking oil to precise 350°F temperature. Meticulously coat each spherical croquette through sequential stations: flour dusting, egg wash immersion, and panko crumb encasement.
9. Carefully submerge croquettes in hot oil, frying in small batches until achieving rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes, rotating midway for uniform crispness.
10. Transfer crisp croquettes onto wire rack for excess oil drainage, then present immediately alongside tangy Thousand Island dressing for complementary dipping experience.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Reduce liquid in mashed potatoes to prevent soggy croquettes and ensure a perfect texture.
• Sauerkraut Preparation: Thoroughly drain to avoid excess liquid that could make the filling too wet and compromise crispiness.
• Handling Tip: Dampen hands with water when forming croquette balls to prevent sticky mixture from clinging to fingers.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 350°F for golden, crispy exterior and even cooking throughout the croquette.
• Frying Technique: Cook in small batches of 4 to maintain oil temperature and achieve uniform browning.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with tangy Thousand Island dressing to complement the rich, savory flavors of corned beef and sauerkraut.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg