Begin by peeling and chopping the Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot alongside smashed garlic and 2 tablespoons of salt, then cover with cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and remove the garlic cloves. In the same pot, combine the drained potatoes with ¼ cup of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Use a potato masher to blend the mixture until it is well combined but still a bit chunky, creating a creamy texture that will help form the cheese croquettes.

While the potato mixture cools slightly, set up your breading stations. In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth. In another dish, pour in your 2 cups of breadcrumbs. This setup will help you efficiently coat the croquettes as you shape them.

Take about ½ cup of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Press a 1-inch cube of mozzarella into the center, then carefully mold the potato around the cheese to seal it completely. Next, dip the shaped croquette into the egg wash, ensuring it is well-coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into croquettes.

In a deep frying pot, heat about 1 inch of oil to a precise 350°F, ensuring that it’s hot enough for frying. Carefully add the breaded cheese croquettes in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a glorious golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

Once the croquettes are fried to perfection, serve them warm. For an added touch, consider pairing your crispy cheese croquettes with dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or spicy ketchup. The exterior should be tantalizingly crispy, while the melted mozzarella creates that beautiful gooey pull, ensuring a delightful snack for everyone!