Serrano Ham Croquettes Recipe

Serrano Ham Croquettes are a true classic of Spanish cuisine, popular at family gatherings, special celebrations, or simply for enjoying as part of a daily meal. Although croquettes originated from a resourceful cooking tradition, where leftovers from other dishes were reused, today they have evolved into a recipe prepared from scratch with premium ingredients, such as the delicious Serrano ham from Torre de Nuñez.

The secret to perfect Serrano Ham Croquettes lies in a smooth, creamy, and well-integrated béchamel sauce, where the Serrano ham provides that unmistakable touch of flavor. Additionally, the breading must be crispy, creating an ideal contrast with the filling. Preparing them at home may seem laborious, but with a few tricks and some patience, you will achieve croquettes that will delight everyone.

Whether you enjoy them freshly made or have them ready in the freezer for a special occasion, this Serrano Ham Croquettes recipe will become one you’ll always want to revisit. Read on to discover how to make them easily, step by step.

Serrano Ham Croquettes Recipe Ingredients for 4 people (40 units):

• For the béchamel:
  • 100 g of Torre de Núñez Serrano Ham
  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 small onion
  • ½ liter whole milk
  • 200-300 ml beef broth
  • 40 ml olive oil
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg
• For the breading:
  • 200 g breadcrumbs
  • 3 eggs
  • Mild olive oil for frying

How to make Serrano Ham Croquettes:

Finely chop the onion and cut the Serrano ham into small cubes, then set aside.

Heat the chicken broth in a pot over medium heat and keep it warm for later use. In a separate pot, also heat the milk and set aside to add to the béchamel.

In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté, stirring occasionally until translucent. Once the onion is ready, add the Serrano ham cubes and sauté lightly. Do not let them brown too much, as we want to preserve their soft texture and prevent the croquettes from becoming too strong in flavor. Add all the flour at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spatula. Let it cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring constantly, so that the flour toasts slightly and loses its raw taste. Be careful not to burn it to avoid bitter-tasting croquettes.

Gradually pour in the warm broth, stirring continuously until the mixture is integrated and a thick paste forms. Then, gradually add the warm milk, ensuring it is fully incorporated before adding more. Cook the béchamel over medium heat until it achieves a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk if necessary, and season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg to taste.

Once the béchamel is ready and has the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a tray. Let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm.

When it’s time to make the croquettes, prepare the breading ingredients by pouring the breadcrumbs into a large bowl. Separately, beat the eggs in another container.

With all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to bread the croquettes. To do this, take a portion of the mixture with a spoon and, using another spoon or your hands, shape it into a croquette. Next, dip it in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to shape them and ensure the breading adheres well. As they are formed, place them on a board to allow the breading to dry slightly, preventing them from breaking open when frying. Repeat the process with all the mixture until all the croquettes are ready.

Once the croquettes are formed, it’s time to fry them: heat plenty of mild olive oil in a pan and, when the oil is hot, add the croquettes in small batches. This will prevent them from breaking open or absorbing too much oil. Fry until golden and crispy on the outside. Remove the croquettes from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess grease.

Once all are fried, serve immediately, hot, to enjoy their best creamy and flavorful texture.

With this traditional recipe, you can enjoy Serrano Ham Croquettes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

*Tip: If you prefer to freeze them for another time, you can do so once they are breaded. Place the croquettes on a tray, separated from each other, and once frozen, store them in an airtight container. You can fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through.