Authentic Spanish Croquetas de Jamón Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 125 grams serrano ham, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 25 grams unsalted butter
  • 50 grams all-purpose flour
  • 350 ml whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 100 grams breadcrumbs
  • Oil, for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped ham, onion, and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent.
  2. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
  4. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a shallow dish. Let it cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it's firm enough to handle.
  5. When the mixture is set, shape it into small, oblong croquetas, about the size of a wine cork.
  6. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each croqueta first in the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  7. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 180°C (350°F). Add the croquetas in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  8. Serve the croquetas warm, as is or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier crust.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the croquetas.
  • Substitute the serrano ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a meat alternative.
  • Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or manchego, to the filling mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Incorporate finely chopped herbs, like parsley or cilantro, into the filling for added flavor.
  • Make vegetarian croquetas by omitting the ham and adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the filling.
  • For a spicy kick, stir in a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño or red chili pepper into the filling mixture.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like aioli, spicy tomato salsa, or honey mustard.

Recipe overview

Savor the taste of Spain with this delicious Croquetas de Jamón recipe. These bite-sized delights, packed with the flavors of serrano ham, onions, and garlic, are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and fried until golden, they are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tenderly creamy on the inside. The recipe involves a simple process of making a ham-infused béchamel sauce, cooling it and then shaping it into small croquettes. These are then dipped in egg and breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection. While the recipe may require a bit of time and patience, especially during the cooling process, the result is well worth the wait. Serve these croquetas warm for a delightful snack or appetizer that transports you straight to the heart of Spain. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of ham? Yes, you can use a different type of ham if you don't have serrano ham available. However, the flavor may differ slightly from the traditional croquetas de jamón.
  2. Can I make the croquetas ahead of time? Yes, you can make the croquetas ahead of time. After shaping them, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying them.
  3. Can I freeze the croquetas? Yes, you can freeze the croquetas before frying them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I bake the croquetas instead of frying? While frying is the traditional method for croquetas, you can bake them if you prefer. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the breaded croquetas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. What dipping sauces go well with croquetas de jamón? Croquetas de jamón are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with various dipping sauces such as aioli, tomato salsa, or a spicy mayonnaise for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - For combining ingredients and shaping the croquetas.
  • Whisk - To whisk the milk into the flour mixture and prevent lumps.
  • Pan - For sautéing the ham, onion, and garlic.
  • Shallow Dish - To cool and refrigerate the croqueta mixture.
  • Plastic Wrap - To cover the dish and refrigerate the croqueta mixture.
  • Deep Fryer or Saucepan - For frying the croquetas.
  • Slotted Spoon - To remove the fried croquetas from the oil.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried croquetas.

Origin stories

Croquetas de jamón, or ham croquettes, are a beloved, classic tapas dish hailing from Spain. Every Spanish grandmother boasts her own special recipe, passed down through generations, a testament to the dish's deep-rooted place in Spanish culture. The croquetas we know and love today were said to be an ingenious creation birthed from the need to use up leftovers in the kitchen, demonstrating the quintessential Spanish values of resourcefulness and frugality. This humble tapa is versatile and can be filled with various ingredients, although the ham version remains a favorite. Often enjoyed with a cold cerveza or a glass of wine, a plate of golden, crispy croquetas is a staple in any Spanish gathering.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.