Croquetas de jamón | The Ultimate Spanish ham croquettes

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: cooked chicken

Turkey ham reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the cornstarch adds creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is more affordable.

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add chopped bacon to the melted butter and let it render down.

Add finely chopped onion to the bacon and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Chop the serrano ham thinly and add it to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes to render some fat.

Add nutmeg and white pepper to the mixture and toast for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Stir in plain flour gradually, mixing until fully absorbed, then add milk one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until thickened for about 30 minutes.

Taste the bechamel and adjust salt if needed, then pour it into a lined mold about 2-3 fingers thick and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Once set, remove the bechamel from the mold and cut it into cubes for shaping.

Roll each cube into a ball or cylinder shape, using flour to prevent sticking.

Dip the shaped croquettes into egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan to around 180°C (350°F).

Carefully drop croquettes into the hot oil, frying for about 90 seconds until golden brown.

Remove croquettes and drain on paper towels before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens