Authentic Spanish Ham Croquettes
Experience the rich flavors of Spain with these Authentic Spanish Ham Croquettes, a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. This version features a creamy béchamel sauce infused with minced ham, creating a hearty filling that is then encased in a crispy golden breadcrumb coating. These croquettes are not only perfect as enticing tapas but also make for a satisfying meal on their own or paired with sides like steamed rice and black beans. Ideal for meal prep, they can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and simply fried when you’re ready to enjoy. Don't let the detailed instructions intimidate you—this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful flavor and texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced ham
3 ounces (ground)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
white flour
3 tablespoons (sifted)
milk
1 1/2 cups (divided, whole milk preferred)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
eggs
2 large (beaten)
fine breadcrumbs
as needed (for coating)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until fully combined.
2
Whisk in the flour and mix until smooth, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3
Gradually add 1/2 cup of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Increase heat to medium-high.
4
Continue to cook and stir constantly for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy consistency.
5
Reduce the heat to medium again and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
6
Stir in the minced ham and lightly season with salt, blending thoroughly to combine. Remove from heat.
7
Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled shallow dish (about 8 inches) and spread it evenly, then cover with plastic wrap.
8
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, though overnight is recommended for better consistency.
9
Once chilled, shape the ham mixture into cylindrical croquettes, roughly the length of your thumb.
10
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, and place salted breadcrumbs on a flat plate.
11
Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat for frying.
12
Dip each croqueta first into the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs, repeating this double-coating process for extra crunch.
13
Once all croquettes are formed and coated, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before frying.
14
In batches, fry each croqueta in the hot oil until they turn golden brown—about 3-4 minutes. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
15
Serve warm, either alone or as an accompaniment to your favorite sides. Enjoy the authentic taste of Spain!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Spanish Ham Croquettes?
They are a traditional Spanish tapa featuring a creamy bechamel sauce mixed with minced ham, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy.
What is the base of the croquette filling?
The filling is made from a rich bechamel sauce consisting of olive oil, unsalted butter, flour, and milk.
How much minced ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 ounces of minced or ground ham.
What type of milk works best for the filling?
Whole milk is preferred to achieve a rich and creamy consistency in the bechamel.
Why should I whisk the flour and butter for 1-2 minutes?
This step cooks the flour to eliminate its raw taste before adding liquid.
How do I prevent lumps in the bechamel sauce?
Add the milk gradually while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth texture.
How long does the bechamel need to simmer?
After the mixture thickens, it should simmer on medium heat for an additional 10 minutes.
When do I add the minced ham?
Stir in the minced ham and salt after the bechamel has simmered and thickened.
How long should the mixture be refrigerated before shaping?
The mixture needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, though overnight is recommended for the best consistency.
What size should the croquettes be?
They should be shaped into cylinders roughly the length of your thumb.
What is the double-coating process?
Each croqueta is dipped in whisked egg and then rolled in breadcrumbs twice to ensure a maximum crunch.
Should the croquettes be chilled after breading?
Yes, refrigerating the formed and coated croquettes for 30 minutes before frying helps them stay intact.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for fine, salted breadcrumbs for the coating.
What temperature should be used for frying?
Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat.
How long do the croquettes need to fry?
They should be fried for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the fried croquettes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
Are these croquettes suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them.
What can I serve with Spanish Ham Croquettes?
They pair well with steamed rice, black beans, or can be served alone as a tapa.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
Despite the detailed instructions, the process is surprisingly easy and straightforward.
How much flour is used in the roux?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sifted white flour.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can adjust the added salt if using salted butter.
How many eggs are needed for the coating?
You will need 2 large beaten eggs.
What type of oil is used inside the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil mixed with butter for the bechamel base.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, nutritional values like calories and fat are not specified in this version of the recipe.
What is the texture of the finished croquette?
It features a golden, crispy exterior with a very creamy, hearty ham-infused interior.
Why is a shallow dish recommended for cooling?
A shallow dish helps the bechamel mixture cool quickly and evenly.
Should the dish be covered in the fridge?
Yes, cover the mixture with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent a skin from forming.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients required for these croquettes.
What category does this dish fall into?
It is primarily categorized as an appetizer or a traditional Spanish tapa.
Can I use different types of ham?
While traditional ham is used, any high-quality minced ham will work for this recipe.