Ham Croquettes

Name: Ham Croquettes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: Prosciutto crudo thinly sliced 5.6 oz; Whole milk 2.1 cups; Butter 5 tbsp; Type 00 flour ¾ cup; Fine salt 1 tsp; Nutmeg 1 tsp; Yellow onions 1; Eggs 3; Breadcrumbs 0.9 cup; Sunflower seed oil to taste

it de fr es br

312

Calories per serving

Energy Kcal 312
Carbohydrates g 17.2
of which sugars g 2.8
Protein g 10.2
Fats g 22.5
of which saturated fat g 7.21
Fiber g 0.6
Cholesterol mg 95
Sodium mg 731

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Makes: 10
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Ham croquettes—seriously delicious—are a beloved snack across Italy. I mean, the Italian version—le crocchette di prosciutto—offers a really, really good mix of textures and flavors. You start with a smooth, savory béchamel base, and then add generous amounts of prosciutto. And the result? Each bite has this classic, salty taste. So... So tasty.

The inside stays creamy and tender, while the outside crisps up to a golden perfection. And here's the thing: it's thanks to a clever Italian trick. By chilling the mixture, the croquettes hold their shape in hot oil. Pretty simple, right? It's amazing how basic ingredients like prosciutto, flour, and milk turn into something this delicious. Plus, across various Italian regions, people add their own twist—some use potatoes or rice for extra softness, others throw in mozzarella or provola, and sometimes, you’ll even find carrots or speck. And look, each version keeps that unbeatable combo of a crunchy exterior and rich, moist interior.

These croquettes are a must at parties or whenever you crave a tasty bite. For sure. All over Italy, these homemade ham croquettes often grace tables at gatherings, and once you try them, it’s clear why they’re so, so popular. There’s just something about that crispy coating and soft center that keeps you coming back for more, especially when they're fresh from the fryer.

If you like experimenting, go for it. Trying different croquette styles—like adding cheese for a ham and cheese croquettes vibe or making a version with rice similar to a Sicilian arancina—can be super fun. And listen, while Spanish croquetas de jamón are well-known, the Italian version offers a lighter, almost fluffy texture with its main béchamel filling. No matter what, these super savory, bite-sized snacks are perfect for any gathering or just as a quick treat. So, diving into the world of easy ham croquettes is a really fun way to bring a touch of Italian snack tradition into your kitchen. Whether you're a fan of the classic or eager to try a new twist, these croquettes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with their rich flavors and satisfying crunch.

INGREDIENTS

312

Calories per serving

Ingredients for 10 croquettes: Prosciutto crudo 5.6 oz (160 g) - thinly sliced; Whole milk 2.1 cups (500 g); Butter 5 tbsp (70 g); Type 00 flour ¾ cup (90 g); Fine salt 1 tsp; Nutmeg 1 tsp; Yellow onions 1

for coating and frying: Eggs 3; Breadcrumbs 0.9 cup (100 g); Sunflower seed oil to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Ham Croquettes

To prepare the ham croquettes, finely chop an onion 1. Melt the butter in a saucepan 2 and stew the onion for 10 minutes over medium-low heat 3.

Meanwhile, cut the ham into strips 4, add it to the pan 5, and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour all at once 6 and toast it for 2 minutes.

Pour in the milk in three additions 7 and flavor with nutmeg 8. You need to obtain a very thick béchamel, which will take at least 6 minutes 9.

Once you have obtained a thick consistency, transfer the mixture into a baking dish 10, let it cool at room temperature, and refrigerate to firm up for at least 2 hours. Take the mixture out of the fridge and invert onto a cutting board 11 12.

With a knife, cut out 10 equal rectangles 13. Shape them into croquettes by molding them with damp hands. Dip the croquettes first in beaten eggs 15

and then in breadcrumbs 16. As you bread them, place them on a tray 17. Heat the seed oil and bring it to 340°F. Fry the croquettes for 3 minutes, a maximum of 2 at a time 18.

Drain them when they are golden 19 and let them dry on absorbent paper 20. Immediately serve the ham croquettes 21.

Storage

We recommend consuming the ham croquettes immediately.

Advice

Serve the croquettes with Mashed potatoes or a pea cream if you want to serve them as a main course, or prepare a quick sauce with Greek yogurt, oil, salt, and chives to dip them in if you prefer to enjoy them as an appetizer!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.