Spanish Croquettes

Spanish Croquettes, or Croquetas de Jamón, are a beloved tapa in Spain, featuring a creamy béchamel filling enriched with savory ham, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized delights are a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Spanish cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Spanish Flavor – A classic tapa served in Spain’s finest bars and restaurants.
• Crispy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside – The perfect contrast of textures makes these croquettes irresistible.
• Great for Entertaining – Ideal as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – The croquette mixture can be prepared in advance and fried when ready to serve.
• Versatile – Can be made with different fillings, such as cheese, chicken, or seafood.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced ham (jamón serrano or regular ham)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the béchamel – In a pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 1-2 minutes.
2. Cook the roux – Stir in 1/2 cup flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add milk – Slowly pour in the warm milk, stirring continuously, until a thick béchamel forms.
4. Season – Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well and remove from heat.
5. Chill the mixture – Let the mixture cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm.
6. Shape the croquettes – Once chilled, shape the mixture into small logs or balls.
7. Bread the croquettes – Roll each croquette in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
8. Fry – Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Drain and serve – Place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings – 4 servings
• Prep Time – 15 minutes (+2 hours chilling)
• Cooking Time – 15 minutes
• Total Time – 2 hours 30 minutes
• Calories – 220 kcal per serving

Variations

• Different Fillings – Replace ham with shredded chicken, mushrooms, or cheese for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Baked Croquettes – Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Extra Cheese – Mix in Manchego or Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
• Spicy Croquettes – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage – Keep leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen.
• Reheating – Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make croquettes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. You can also freeze shaped croquettes before frying.

What type of ham works best?

Jamón serrano gives a traditional Spanish flavor, but regular cooked ham works well too.

Can I bake instead of fry them?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

How do I prevent my croquettes from breaking apart?

Ensure the mixture is well-chilled before shaping, and coat them evenly with breadcrumbs.

Can I make croquettes without eggs?

Yes, you can use milk or a flour-water mixture instead of eggs for breading.

Why does my béchamel taste floury?

Be sure to cook the flour for at least a minute before adding milk to eliminate the raw flour taste.

What can I serve with croquettes?

They pair well with aioli, Spanish romesco sauce, or a simple salad.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Double-coat them in breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Can I air-fry croquettes?

Yes, cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep the croquettes warm before serving?

Place them in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying the rest.

Conclusion

Spanish Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón) are a delicious and traditional Spanish tapa that combines a creamy, savory filling with a crispy golden crust. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these croquettes are sure to impress. Try them today and bring the flavors of Spain to your kitchen!