Recipes, Guides, Lifestyles by GRATSI

Cazzilli Recipe: Sicilian Crispy Potato Croquettes
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GIOVANNI'S KITCHEN

Cazzilli Recipe: Sicilian Crispy Potato Croquettes

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy in the center, every bite of these Potato Croquettes is pure satisfaction. A classic from the streets to Italian family tables, they’re the kind of snack that disappears the moment they hit the plate. Simple ingredients, perfect execution, and an irresistible crunch make these an absolute must-try!

By Giovanni Siracusa

 |  

February 10, 2025

By Giovanni Siracusa

Ingredients

  • 3

    pounds golden potatoes

  • 1

    pound fresh mozzarella, cut into small strips

  • 3

    eggs for coating

  • Breadcrumbs for coating

  • Flour for coating

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Sunflower or peanut oil for frying

TOTAL TIME

2 hours

25 servings

These Potato Croquettes are a classic Italian comfort food, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. Simple yet satisfying, they’re perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack for any occasion! These croquettes are perfect alongside a bright Classic Greek Salad for a full Mediterranean spread. For something sweet to finish, our Coconut Macaroons are an effortless crowd-pleaser. And if you love Italian breakfast culture as much as the food, dive into our piece on Colazione Italiana. Best paired with a chilled bottle of Gratsi Sparkling White.

Rows of oval-shaped, breaded croquettes are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper, ready for baking or frying. The croquettes have a golden, crumb-coated exterior and are evenly spaced.

STEP 1: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the whole potatoes with their skins on and cook until fork-tender, about 40 minutes.

STEP 2: Drain and Cool

Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely. Once cooled, peel off the skins.

STEP 3: Season the Mash

Mash the peeled potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Season the mashed potatoes with salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

A glass bowl filled with mashed potatoes, mixed with green herbs, sits on a counter. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl. In the background are plates with breadcrumbs and a yellow sauce.

STEP 4: Slice the Mozzarella

Slice the fresh mozzarella into small strips.

STEP 5: Shape the Croquettes

Take a small handful of the potato mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Press down in the center of the ball to create an indentation, place a strip of mozzarella inside, then seal and shape into a long oval. Repeat until all croquettes are formed.

A person in a striped apron holds a ball of mashed potato with a slot showing a piece of cheese inside, above a bowl of mashed potatoes on a kitchen counter.

STEP 6: Bread the Croquettes

 Roll each croquette in flour, then dip it in egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.

A person holds a hand-shaped piece of dough with herbs over a plate of flour, preparing food. A bowl of dough and a plate with slices of cheese are in the background.

STEP 7: Chill to Firm Up

Place the breaded croquettes on a tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.

STEP 8: Fry Until Golden

Heat a generous amount of sunflower or peanut oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the croquettes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Light, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, these Potato Croquettes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot, paired with a crisp glass of Gratsi White, and watch them disappear. Buon Appetito!

A slotted spoon holds a golden-brown, fried food item above a pot of hot oil, with more uncooked pieces on a tray in the background.
A black plate stacked with golden, breaded croquettes garnished with chopped parsley and coarse salt. A glass of white wine and a blue-striped cloth are in the background on a white countertop.

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