Spanish Croquetas

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Spanish Croquetas, a beloved classic in the world of tapas. These bite-sized delights feature a creamy béchamel base infused with finely chopped, savory cooked ham, seasoned with a touch of nutmeg and white pepper for a subtle depth of flavor. Coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, Spanish Croquetas boast a crisp, crunchy exterior that gives way to a luxuriously silky center. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party platter, this recipe brings authentic Spanish cuisine to your kitchen with straightforward steps. Elevate your tapas night with these golden nuggets of comfort—made with simple pantry staples and a whole lot of flavor. Serve hot and savor the balance of textures and rich taste that make croquetas a family favorite across generations.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons white pepper
• 1 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter has melted.

Step 2

Add the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden brown.

Step 3

Gradually add in the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps, and cook until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.

Step 4

Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper according to your taste.

Step 5

Stir in the finely chopped cooked ham and mix well.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 7

Once the mixture is firm, shape the béchamel and ham mixture into small logs, about 2 inches long.

Step 8

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl, and place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.

Step 9

Dip each croqueta first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.

Step 10

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 11

Fry the croquetas in small batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on all sides.

Step 12

Remove the croquetas with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 13

Serve hot and enjoy this classic Spanish tapa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1813.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6641.1

Total Fat 579.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 107.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 625.3mg	0%
Sodium 8957.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 290.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 48.6g
Protein 124.9g	0%

Vitamin D 350.4IU	0%
Calcium 950.6mg	0%
Iron 18.6mg	0%
Potassium 1794.6mg	0%

*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: 75.8%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 16.9%