Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 6
Filling
Coating
Frying
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; heavy frying pan; spatula; food thermometer; whisk or electric mixer; heatproof spoon; spatula.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.
Steps
Filling · About 240 min
- Melt butter from 60 g butter, 80 g plain flour, 600 ml milk, 150 g cooked ham, finely chopped, ¼ tsp nutmeg, cook flour 2 minutes, then whisk in milk. Stir until very thick, about 8 minutes; add ham and nutmeg. Cool promptly and refrigerate 4 hours.
Check: Look for this result: very thick, about 8 minutes; add ham and nutmeg.
Shape · About 10 min
- Shape 18 small croquettes. Coat in flour, egg and crumbs from 60 g plain flour, 2 eggs, beaten, 180 g breadcrumbs.
Fry · About 4 min
- Heat 1000 ml neutral oil to 175°C / 350°F in a deep pan less than half full. Fry batches 3–4 minutes until golden and centre reaches 74°C / 165°F.
Check: Look for this result: golden and centre reaches 74°C / 165°F.
Tips
- Chill the filling fully before shaping.
- Judge Croquetas de Jamon by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Croquetas de Jamon takes to cook.
Substitutions
- Use cooked chopped mushrooms instead of ham.
Storage
- Get perishable Croquetas de Jamon into the fridge within two hours, or within one hour above 32°C / 90°F. Eat Croquetas de Jamon within two days, keeping it covered at 4°C / 40°F or colder.
- Bring cooked Croquetas de Jamon to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning it for even heating. When Croquetas de Jamon is part of the meal, serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts straight from safe refrigeration.
Make ahead
- Prepare the coating ingredients for Croquetas de Jamon ahead and keep them separate. Apply the coating to Croquetas de Jamon shortly before cooking. Fry Croquetas de Jamon on the day of serving to keep the surface crisp. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated throughout preparation.
FAQ
What matters most when making Croquetas de Jamon?
Chill the filling fully before shaping.
What can I substitute in Croquetas de Jamon?
Use cooked chopped mushrooms instead of ham.
Can I prepare Croquetas de Jamon ahead?
Prepare the coating ingredients for Croquetas de Jamon ahead and keep them separate. Apply the coating to Croquetas de Jamon shortly before cooking. Fry Croquetas de Jamon on the day of serving to keep the surface crisp. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated throughout preparation.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating
