Not long ago I hosted a Spanish-themed dinner and planned the menu as if I were ordering at a tapas restaurant. One item that always stands out on those menus is the croquette. The version I made — classic Ham & Cheese Croquettes — turned out perfectly. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they offered a delightful contrast of textures that made them irresistibly tasty.
These croquettes are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. I made the filling, formed bite-sized rounds, coated them, and chilled them until it was time to fry. Chilling helps the breadcrumb coating adhere so it stays intact during frying. The recipe is also a great base: swap the ham for shredded cooked chicken and choose a different cheese for a new flavor — I plan to try chicken and pepper jack next.
recipe adapted from AllRecipes
Ingredients
Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion, chives, and garlic powder and cook until the onion is tender, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
Stir the chopped ham, shredded Cheddar, and 1 1/2 cups of the breadcrumbs into the bowl. Beat 3 of the eggs and mix them into the ham mixture. Season with salt and pepper. With clean hands, shape the mixture into golf ball–size rounds.
Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on a plate. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining egg and stir in the water to make an egg wash. Dip each ball into the egg wash, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Arrange the coated croquettes in a single layer on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during frying.
When ready to cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the croquettes in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides, turning as needed. Remove the croquettes to paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Serve warm as an appetizer or part of a tapas spread. These croquettes are versatile—try different fillings and cheeses to suit your taste.