Which potatoes are suitable for making homemade croquettes?

Making your own croquettes is a real classic in Belgian cuisine. Whether it’s for the holidays, a Sunday lunch or a refined dinner: homemade croquettes are always a hit. But… the secret to perfect croquettes doesn’t lie in the breading or frying — it starts with choosing the right potatoes. In this blog, you’ll discover which potatoes are best for croquettes, why not every type is suitable, and how to achieve a fluffy interior and crispy crust.

Cooking

The best potatoes for croquettes? Floury ones!

For crispy croquettes with a creamy interior, you need potatoes that are floury. These potatoes contain more starch and less moisture, which ensures that:

you get an airy mash
the croquettes don’t fall apart
the crispy coating stays intact

Popular floury potato varieties for croquettes include Bintje, Agria and Victoria.

Avoid waxy potatoes

Not all potatoes are suitable for making croquettes.
Waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte or Nicola, retain their shape and are ideal for salads or cooked dishes — but not for mash or croquette filling.

Why not?

They contain too much moisture
The mash becomes sticky
The croquettes burst open more easily during frying

Tip: how to know if your potato is suitable

At the supermarket and unsure? Check the packaging for these words:

“Suitable for mash”
“Floury”
“For fries and croquettes”

Does it say “waxy”? Then it’s better to leave them aside for this recipe.

Extra tips for perfect homemade croquettes

Besides choosing the right potatoes, a few other factors help ensure success:

Let the cooked potatoes steam dry so excess moisture evaporates
Add some milk to the mash (like classic mashed potatoes), but also an egg yolk and butter
Allow the mash to cool and firm up before shaping
Use double breading (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for an extra crispy effect
Fry at 180 °C for a golden-brown, crunchy crust

TIP: For extra crunch, you can also use panko instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

With the right potatoes and a bit of patience, you can make croquettes that surpass any store-bought frozen version. And honestly: is there anything more festive than a golden, crispy croquette with a creamy filling?