Cuban Ham Croquettes Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

If you’re craving a crispy, savory snack with a burst of authentic Cuban flavor, look no further than the classic Cuban ham croquettes. These delicious bite-sized treats are a staple in Cuban cuisine, beloved for their creamy interior and perfectly crunchy exterior.

Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a comforting indulgence with your afternoon coffee, Cuban ham croquettes never fail to impress. Made with a rich béchamel sauce, shredded ham, and a touch of seasoning, then coated in golden breadcrumbs, they are simple to make but incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe brings a taste of Cuba right into your kitchen. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.

Get ready to master the art of croquette-making and enjoy a little Cuban culinary magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cuban ham croquettes recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy outer shell. You’ll appreciate how the béchamel sauce binds the flavors together, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth filling that’s perfectly complemented by the savory ham.

Not only are these croquettes incredibly delicious, but they’re also versatile. They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or even a light meal when paired with a salad.

Plus, the recipe is straightforward and approachable, even if you’re new to making croquettes.

Bonus: They freeze well, so you can prepare a batch in advance and enjoy them anytime!

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely diced cooked ham (preferably Cuban-style ham or any good-quality deli ham)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Baking sheet or tray
• Deep frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the béchamel base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula for about 2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and forms a roux.
3. Slowly add milk: Gradually pour in the warmed milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the béchamel: Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5. Add the ham: Fold in the diced ham until evenly combined. Transfer this mixture to a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Shape the croquettes: Once chilled and firm, scoop portions of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape into small cylinders or ovals using your hands. Place on a baking sheet.
7. Prepare for breading: Set up a breading station with two bowls—one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs.
8. Bread the croquettes: Dip each shaped croquette first in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
9. Fry the croquettes: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the croquettes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Make sure the béchamel mixture is very cold and firm before shaping to prevent the croquettes from falling apart during frying.

Variation: Add finely chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.

You can substitute the ham with cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a different twist.

For a lighter version, bake the croquettes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden, turning halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cuban ham croquettes are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce like garlic aioli, spicy mustard, or a classic Cuban mojo sauce for an authentic experience.

Serve alongside a light salad of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. They also make a fantastic snack for game days or parties — just keep a platter ready for your guests.

For a Cuban-inspired meal, pair these croquettes with black beans and rice or a refreshing avocado salad.

Conclusion

Making Cuban ham croquettes at home is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Cuban culture right to your table. This recipe, with its creamy, flavorful filling and satisfyingly crunchy crust, is sure to become a favorite for both casual snacking and special occasions.

The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even if you’re new to croquette-making.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience during preparation, you’ll be rewarded with golden, crispy croquettes that burst with flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to try some of our other delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more culinary inspiration!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cuban Ham Croquettes”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Cuban ham croquettes are crispy, creamy, and packed with savory ham flavor. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “12 croquettes”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped”, “1/4 cup unsalted butter”, “1/4 cup all-purpose flour”, “1 cup whole milk”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 large eggs, beaten”, “1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs”, “Vegetable oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and saut\u00e9 onions until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped ham, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a bowl and chill until firm, about 1 hour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape mixture into 12 croquettes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip each croquette into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a deep pan to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}