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The wonder of ham and bechamel croquettes lies in their perfect balance. They combine velvety white sauce with tasty ham bits, all wrapped in a golden coating that breaks with each bite. These little kitchen treasures work great as finger food or dinner, with their comforting taste that brings back memories of grandma's cooking.
A treat that never disappoints
These little bites are my go-to for feeding friends and family without any fuss. You can make them ahead and just warm them up when needed. Everyone falls for the mix of their melty inside and crispy outside. They bring that touch of comfort that makes gatherings special, whether it's a quick snack session or a proper dinner.
What you'll need from your kitchen
- 500 ml whole milk: For that smooth, rich bechamel base.
- 125 g ham: Cut into small cubes, packed with flavor.
- 35 g unsalted butter: Key ingredient for starting your roux.
- 35 g flour: To make your bechamel nice and thick.
- 1/2 onion: Chopped tiny for flavor depth.
- 1/2 garlic clove: Finely cut to boost taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Add to match your taste buds.
- 1 beaten egg: For coating your croquettes.
- Flour and breadcrumbs: To get that crunchy outer layer.
- Vegetable oil: For golden-brown frying.
The step-by-step guide
- Starting off right
- First, finely chop your onion and garlic. Melt the butter in a pan, then throw in the ham with your aromatics. Let it all cook gently until you can smell all those nice flavors coming out.
- Nailing the bechamel
- Sprinkle your flour over the mix and pour in milk bit by bit while stirring. Watch as it slowly gets thicker. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cool it down
- Spread out your mixture and let it cool off before popping it in the freezer for about 25 minutes.
- Shape and coat
- Form your croquettes, then roll them in flour, dip in egg, and cover with breadcrumbs for that perfect coating.
- Finishing touch
- Drop them into oil heated to 180°C until they turn a lovely golden color. Let them drain on some paper towels after.
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Simple touches that make them special
In my house, I always pair these croquettes with a crisp salad full of fresh herbs. A small dish of homemade garlic mayo or my sweet spiced tomato sauce really brings out their comforting flavor. For a heartier meal, nothing beats serving them with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can you prep croquettes ahead?
- Yes, freeze them before frying. It's an easy way to save time and have croquettes ready to cook.
- → How to get super crispy croquettes?
- Chill your béchamel mix before forming them. Also, make sure the oil reaches the right heat (180°C) for perfect frying.
- → Which sauce pairs well with croquettes?
- They go great with aioli or spicy tomato sauce. You can also keep it simple and serve with a fresh green salad.
- → Any tips for making perfect béchamel?
- Gradually add milk while stirring non-stop. Let the mixture thicken between each pour to avoid lumps.
- → Can I swap out the ham for something else?
- Absolutely, switch it up! White ham works great, but smoked ham or even leftover chicken are good options too.