Delicious Homemade Cuban-Style Ham Croquettes

 

Cuban-Style Ham Croquettes

Looking for an easy and flavorful recipe to enjoy at home? These croquettes are creamy inside, golden on the outside, and full of delicious flavor. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a tasty afternoon snack. A true Cuban classic that never disappoints!

🥘 Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ stick of butter
  • 2 cups chopped ham
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 liter (4 cups) milk
  • 2 eggs
  • Bread crumbs for coating
  • Sunflower oil for frying
  • A pinch of sweet paprika or bijol (optional for color)

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Ham Croquettes

1. Prepare the base sauté

Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the butter. Once melted, add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.

2. Cook the flour

Add the flour and stir constantly to combine with the sauté. Cook for a few minutes until it slightly changes color, making sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t burn.

3. Make the béchamel

Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep the heat on medium-high until you get a thick, smooth mixture.

4. Add the ham and seasonings

Stir in the chopped ham and season with nutmeg, salt, and—if you wish—a pinch of sweet paprika or bijol for color. Cook until the mixture starts to pull away from the bottom of the pan.

5. Cool the dough

Transfer the mixture to a flat dish, cover it with plastic wrap in direct contact with the surface, and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

6. Shape the croquettes

Cut strips of dough and shape them as desired (cylindrical or round). Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, then dip each croquette first in egg and then in bread crumbs.

7. Fry

Heat plenty of vegetable oil and fry the croquettes until golden brown on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels. They’re ready to enjoy!

ℹ️ Recipe Details

  • Yield: Approximately 40 croquettes
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes + 6 hours resting
  • Category: Croquettes & Fried Foods
  • Cuisine: Cuban 

✅ Tips for Irresistible Croquettes

  • Use good-quality ham—cooked or cured, depending on your preference.
  • Make sure to cook the flour long enough so it doesn’t taste raw.
  • You can freeze them before frying if you’d like to prepare them in advance.

📌 Suggested Tags

ham croquettes, Cuban cuisine, fried recipes, easy appetizers, traditional cooking, homemade Cuban recipes

📣 Ready to give them a try?

Leave me a comment with your experience, share this recipe with your family and friends, and don’t forget to follow our blog for more Cuban delights. See you in the kitchen!

For the Spanish recipe, visit: Croquetas de Jamón: Receta Cubana Paso a Paso.