Croquettes with Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese | Make Ahead

serrano ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: prosciutto

Turkey ham reduces calories while maintaining a similar texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds flavor.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

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

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: soy milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while soy milk is often less expensive.

Heat butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter has melted.

Add onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Whisk in milk, and cook, whisking, 3 minutes.

Whisk in ham and all of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Spread mixture onto a baking sheet, and let cool completely. Mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.

Whisk together eggs in a shallow dish. Place breadcrumbs in another shallow dish. Place flour in another dish.

Scoop tablespoons of cooled mixture, and shape with floured hands into 2-inch ovals.

Working with 1 oval at a time, dust lightly with flour, then beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper.

At this point you can refrigerate in an airtight container and fry the next day. This can be done several days ahead. Set out for an hour prior to frying if prepared ahead and refrigerated.

Heat 2 1/2 inches oil in a large, heavy stockpot until it registers 375 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer.

Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry croquettes, flipping once, until dark golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes total.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. (Adjust heat between batches as needed to keep oil at a steady temperature.)

Serve warm, garnished with parsley sprigs.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens