How to Make the Perfect Cuban Ham Croquetas
Cuban · Hard · 60 min · 6 servings
Cuban Ham Croquetas are crispy golden cylinders filled with a creamy bechamel and finely minced ham mixture that are a staple at Cuban bakeries and family gatherings alike. They are perfectly crunchy on the outside and incredibly soft and savory on the inside making them impossible to eat just one.
Why this recipe works
This Cuban Ham Croquetas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups finely minced cooked ham
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- 2 whole eggs beaten
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Bechamel Filling
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until the paste turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 2: Incorporate Ham and Chill
Remove the bechamel from heat and stir in the minced ham. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Spread the mixture into a shallow dish, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm and shapeable.
Step 3: Shape and Bread the Croquetas
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled mixture and roll them between your palms into small cylinder shapes. Dip each cylinder in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs making sure they are fully and evenly coated. Refrigerate the breaded croquetas for 20 more minutes.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the croquetas in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes turning occasionally until they are evenly golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cooked ham → shredded cooked chicken for a pollo croqueta variation
- whole milk → unsweetened oat milk for a dairy-reduced version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not chilling the filling long enough which makes it impossible to shape the croquetas without them falling apart
- Frying at too high a temperature which causes the outside to burn before the inside warms through properly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 14g protein, 22g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →