Golden Ham and Cheese Croquettes
These Golden Ham and Cheese Croquettes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for using up leftover ham. Each bite is a delightful fusion of creamy, savory filling encased in a crispy, golden breadcrumb exterior. Reminiscent of childhood memories, these croquettes will quickly become a favorite in your household. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or a hearty addition to any meal, paired beautifully with a rich cream sauce.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced ham
2 cups (finely minced)
minced onion
1 teaspoon (finely minced)
minced parsley
1 teaspoon (finely minced)
Accent seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (optional for added flavor)
butter
8 tablespoons (divided)
flour
8 tablespoons (for cream sauce and additional for dredging)
salt
1 teaspoon (for cream sauce)
skim milk
2 cups (for cream sauce)
egg
1 (beaten with 2 tablespoons of water)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
canola oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely mincing the ham using a blender or food processor. Set aside for later.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth and golden.
3
Slowly add 1 cup of skim milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced ham, onion, parsley, and the prepared cream sauce. Mix until well incorporated.
5
Transfer the mixture to an 8x8 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
6
Once chilled, cut the mixture into 9 squares. Dredge each square in flour, dip into the beaten egg mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
7
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the coated croquettes in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
8
While frying, prepare a second batch of cream sauce by repeating the steps of melting 4 tablespoons of butter, adding 4 tablespoons of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then gradually adding 1 cup of skim milk until thick.
9
Serve the hot croquettes with the rich cream sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Ham and Cheese Croquettes?
They are a comfort food dish featuring a creamy, savory ham and cheese filling encased in a crispy, golden breadcrumb exterior.
How much minced ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of finely minced ham.
What is the best way to mince the ham?
It is recommended to use a blender or food processor to achieve a fine mince.
How long should the croquette mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture needs to be covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or until it becomes firm.
What kind of pan should I use to chill the mixture?
Use an 8x8 inch baking pan to spread the mixture evenly for chilling.
How many squares should the mixture be cut into?
Once chilled and firm, the mixture should be cut into 9 equal squares.
What are the steps for coating the croquettes?
Dredge each square in flour, dip it into a beaten egg mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and then coat it with breadcrumbs.
Which oil is recommended for frying?
Canola oil is recommended for frying the croquettes.
How long do the croquettes need to fry?
Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What is the primary liquid used for the cream sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of skim milk in total, divided between the filling and the serving sauce.
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes, these croquettes are described as the ultimate comfort food for using up leftover ham.
What type of seasoning is optional for added flavor?
Accent seasoning is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the flavor.
How much butter is needed for the entire process?
A total of 8 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between the internal filling sauce and the external dipping sauce.
What herbs are used in the croquette mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced parsley.
Is onion included in the filling?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of finely minced onion is added to the ham mixture.
What is the heat setting for making the roux?
The butter should be melted over low heat when starting the flour and butter mixture.
How do you serve the croquettes?
They should be served hot with a rich cream sauce on the side for dipping.
What is the total amount of flour used?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of flour for the sauces plus additional flour for dredging the croquettes.
Should the ham be mixed with the sauce while it is hot?
Yes, the minced ham, onion, and parsley are combined with the prepared cream sauce before chilling.
How do I ensure the croquettes don't remain oily?
After frying, you should drain the golden brown croquettes on paper towels.
What is the texture of the finished cream sauce?
The sauce should be whisked until it thickens to a creamy and rich consistency.
What categories do these croquettes fall into?
They are categorized as croquettes, appetizers, snacks, and comfort food.
Do I need to whisk the milk constantly when making the sauce?
Yes, you should slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, thick consistency.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
Each batch of sauce uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, for a total of 1 teaspoon in the recipe.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash, made of one egg and 2 tablespoons of water, helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the croquette squares.
Are these croquettes suitable for children?
Yes, the description mentions they are reminiscent of childhood memories and are a household favorite.
Can these be eaten as a main meal?
While they work as appetizers or snacks, they can also be served as a hearty addition to any meal.
What should I do if the mixture is too soft to cut?
Ensure the mixture has been refrigerated for at least 4 hours; it must be completely firm before you attempt to dredge and fry.
Is the cream sauce made all at once?
No, it is made in two separate batches: one to bind the ham mixture and a second batch to serve as a dipping sauce.