spanish ham croquettes recipe.

 

🧀 Ham Croquettes Recipe (Croquetas de Jamón)

Crispy Spanish Ham Croquettes with a creamy béchamel filling and crunchy golden crust. A delicious Spanish tapas favorite that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack!

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 cup finely diced cooked ham
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Manchego cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

For Coating:

• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour
• Oil for frying

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Béchamel Filling:

   • Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add onion and sauté until translucent.
   • Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth and thick.
   • Add ham, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

2. Chill the Mixture:

   • Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or overnight) until firm.

3. Shape the Croquettes:

   • Roll the mixture into small cylinders or balls (about 2 inches long).
   • Dredge each in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Fry:

   • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry croquettes until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
   • Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot with aioli, mustard, or a spicy dipping sauce.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as Spanish tapas with sangria or white wine.
• Serve alongside Patatas Bravas or Pan con Tomate for a complete tapas platter.
• They also make a great appetizer for parties or family dinners.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
• You can freeze uncooked croquettes for up to 2 months — just fry straight from frozen.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: What kind of ham works best for croquettes?
Cooked Serrano ham, Prosciutto, or regular deli ham all work well. Finely dice for the best texture.

Q2: Can I bake croquettes instead of frying?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.

Q3: Why did my croquettes fall apart?
Make sure the filling is chilled and firm before shaping, and double-coat in breadcrumbs for structure.

Q4: Can I use other fillings?
Definitely! Try chicken, cod, mushrooms, or spinach for variation.

Q5: What sauce goes well with ham croquettes?
Traditional garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce, or creamy cheese dip pairs beautifully.

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🍴 Similar Recipes You May Like :

1. Patatas Bravas (Spicy Potatoes)
2. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)
3. Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
4. Chorizo Empanadas
5. Spanish Meatballs (Albondigas)