Name: Homemade Ham Croquettes
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 100 g unsalted butter; 100 g all-purpose flour; 1 liter whole milk; 300 g finely diced serrano ham; 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; Fine dry breadcrumbs for coating; Sunflower oil for frying

Golden brown homemade ham croquettes arranged on a rustic wooden board

Homemade croquettes are the classic Spanish tapa. The secret is a thick béchamel and controlled frying for a crisp shell.

Ingredients

100 g unsalted butter
100 g all-purpose flour
1 liter whole milk
300 g finely diced serrano ham
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
Fine dry breadcrumbs for coating
Sunflower oil for frying

Step by step

Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.

Step 1 Mix

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the sifted…
Step 2 Prep

Gradually pour in the cold milk in three additions, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
Step 3 Mix

Stir in the finely diced serrano ham, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 Prep

Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and…
Step 5 Assemble

Using a spoon or piping bag, shape portions into 5 cm (2-inch) balls or cylinders.
Step 6 Prep 170 °C

Heat oil to 170 °C (340 °F).

Storage

Fridge 2 days breaded uncooked, or freeze 1 month. Fry from frozen adding 1–2 min.

Chef tips

Béchamel must be very thick and fully chilled before shaping.
Oil at 170 °C — if it bubbles violently, lower the heat.

Watch summary on YouTube

Allergens

Gluten
Dairy
Egg

Diet

Not vegetarian (contains animal products)

Variations

Substitutions for a vegan version

Instead of: 300 g finely chopped serrano ham

Use: 150 g sliced shiitake mushrooms sautéed in oil
Instead of: 100 g butter

Use: 80 ml olive oil in the béchamel
Instead of: 1 litre whole milk

Use: 1 litre unsweetened oat milk
Instead of: 2 beaten eggs (breading)

Use: Lightly whipped aquafaba

Other variations

Mushroom and blue cheese gourmet version.
Salt cod flakes instead of ham.
Bite-size mini croquettes for parties.

Quick summary

At-a-glance while you cook. Full details are in the step-by-step.

1 In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the sifted…
2 Gradually pour in the cold milk in three additions, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
3 Stir in the finely diced serrano ham, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4 Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and…
5 Using a spoon or piping bag, shape portions into 5 cm (2-inch) balls or cylinders.
6 Heat oil to 170 °C (340 °F).