Ham Croquettes with Cheese Sauce
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly indulgent, these Ham Croquettes with Cheese Sauce are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist! Perfectly seasoned, creamy béchamel infused with finely chopped ham is chilled, breaded, and fried to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that encases a velvety, flavorful filling. What truly sets this recipe apart is the rich and silky cheese sauce, made with a blend of sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, and a hint of garlic, elevating each bite to a savory delight. Whether served as a party appetizer, a main dish, or an unforgettable snack, these croquettes are easy to love and even easier to devour. With minimal prep time and big flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly add 1.5 cups of whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a smooth béchamel sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the finely chopped ham, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the béchamel sauce. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, until firm.
Once the mixture is chilled, shape it into small logs or oval shapes, about 2 inches long.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with 4 tablespoons flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each croquette in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a tray.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Serve the ham croquettes hot with the warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1825 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 171.3 g | 220% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.4 g | 237% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 257 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 1693 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.3 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 413 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 411 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
