How to Make the Perfect Spanish Jambon Croquetas
Spanish · Hard · 180 min · 6 servings
Creamy bechamel-filled croquettes studded with salty Spanish ham, encased in a shatteringly crispy golden breadcrumb shell. They are irresistible tapas bites that are worth every minute of preparation time.
Why this recipe works
This Spanish Jambon Croquetas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 180 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 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:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk warmed
- 150 g Spanish ham or serrano ham finely diced
- 1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Ham Bechamel
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, add the flour and cook stirring for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk a splash at a time until a very thick smooth bechamel forms, then stir in the diced ham.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Pour the thick bechamel into a shallow baking dish, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm and easy to shape.
Step 3: Shape and Bread the Croquetas
With lightly oiled hands, shape tablespoons of the cold mixture into small oval cylinders. Dip each one in beaten egg, then roll firmly in breadcrumbs ensuring complete even coverage. Refrigerate shaped croquetas for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil to 180 degrees Celsius and fry the croquetas in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning gently, until they are uniformly deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while still hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- serrano ham → cooked bacon for a more accessible alternative
- whole milk → plant-based milk for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not chilling the bechamel long enough which causes the croquetas to fall apart during shaping
- Frying too many at once which drops the oil temperature and causes the coating to absorb oil
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 14g protein, 28g carbs, 19g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →