Authentic Spanish Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)
1 hour 55 minutes
1008 reads
About Authentic Spanish Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)
Dive into the rich flavors of Spain with these irresistible Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)! These golden-brown fritters are bursting with savory, finely minced jamón serrano and a creamy béchamel sauce. A classic tapas dish, they're perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.This recipe guides you through creating a perfectly textured croquette, from the roux to the final crispy breading. Learn how to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth béchamel and ensure perfectly golden-brown croquettes every time. Plus, discover the secrets to freezing the dough, breaded croquettes, or even the cooked ones for future enjoyment!Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is your ticket to authentic Spanish cuisine. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these delectable treats!
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Recipe Time & More
Prep1 hour 40 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients
Béchamel Sauce Ingredients
- 100 ml Chicken Broth or stock
- 6 tbsp Olive Oil monitor carefully to prevent burning., or 6 tbsp unsalted butter. if using butter
- 125 gm All-Purpose Flour
- 400 ml Milk whole milk recommended for richer flavor.
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg ground
- 1 dash Pepper black, ground
- 1 cup Ham finely minced jamón serrano (spanish cured ham) or high-quality cooked ham
Breading Ingredients
- 2 Eggs lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 cup Breadcrumb panko breadcrumbs recommended; season with salt and pepper
- 2 cup Olive Oil for frying, or vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the warm chicken broth and milk until smooth.
- Continue to stir the sauce constantly for 20 minutes, or until it thickens significantly and coats the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the minced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Shape and Bread the Croquettes
- Once the ham mixture is cool, transfer it to a baking sheet and spread it thinly to accelerate cooling and thickening. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Shape the chilled mixture into small cylindrical croquettes.
- Prepare your breading station: place flour on a plate, beaten eggs in a bowl, and breadcrumbs on another plate.
- Dredge each croquette in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Fry the Croquettes
- Heat olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the croquettes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Turn frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the ham croquettes immediately. If not serving immediately, keep them warm in a low oven (around 170°F/77°C) uncovered. Note that they will not remain as crunchy if kept warm for an extended period.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Ham Croquettes
- For the creamiest béchamel, use whole milk and whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Using panko breadcrumbs creates extra-crispy croquettes.
- For ahead-of-time preparation, freeze the unbreaded croquettes for up to 3 months, or freeze the breaded croquettes before frying for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the frying time.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 19gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 357mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 3mg
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This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so appetizing! Thank you for posting.
Looks incredible! Thanks for the details.