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!

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Once the mixture is chilled, shape it into small logs or oval shapes, about 2 inches long.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Serve the ham croquettes hot with the warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1811.7 grams (1811.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7294

Total Fat 684.30g	877%
Saturated Fat 185.60g	928%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 1046mg	349%
Sodium 8267mg	359%
Total Carbohydrate 185.40g	67%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 33.30g
Protein 138.10g	276%

Vitamin D 276IU	1380%
Calcium 1641mg	126%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 1480mg	31%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.6%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 10.0%