Cuban cuisine is rich and full of flavor, and one of the standout dishes is Croquetas de Jamon. These tasty ham croquettes are a beloved appetizer, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
In this blog post, we’ll share a simple and delicious recipe for making your own Cuban Croquetas de Jamon at home.
As we travel the world, we love discovering different foods and bringing those experiences into our own kitchen. The combination of finely ground ham and creamy béchamel sauce in these croquettes creates a delightful treat that is golden and crispy on the outside while warm and savory on the inside.
Join us on this culinary adventure as we explore the steps to create this popular Cuban dish.
We’re excited to share our tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect croquettes, so you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Croquetas De Jamon Recipe
We absolutely enjoy making Cuban Croquetas de Jamon in our kitchen. These ham croquettes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that we find irresistible.
Simple Ingredients
The ingredients are straightforward. You’ll need:
- Ground ham
- Onions
- Milk and flour
- Spices
These items are easy to find and add to our grocery list without a hitch.
Cooking Fun
Making croquetas is a fun activity we love to share. The process allows us to bond over cooking while enjoying the delicious aroma that fills the house.
Plus, frying them can be exciting as we keep an eye on the temperature to get that perfect golden color.
Versatile Snack
These croquettes can be served as appetizers or snacks. We often enjoy them with dipping sauces like garlic or spicy mayo. They are perfect for gatherings, ensuring our guests leave satisfied.
Cultural Experience
Preparing Cuban foods like croquetas gives us a taste of Cuba’s rich culinary traditions. Each bite is like a small journey to a different culture, connecting us with the flavors of the world.
We know this recipe will win you over just as it has with us!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Cuban Croquetas de Jamon are a delightful treat for anyone who loves rich flavors. This recipe stands out for several reasons.
First, the blend of flavors in the croquettes comes from the combination of ground ham, onions, and spices. Each bite offers a nice balance of savory and creamy textures.
The cooking method is also unique. We prepare a roux, which is a mix of flour and fat. This step creates a thick, smooth filling that makes the croquettes creamy on the inside.
Using high-quality ham, like Jamón Serrano, enhances the taste. It adds a touch of authenticity that reminds us of the streets of Havana.
These croquettes are often enjoyed as appetizers or snacks. Their golden, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft filling inside, making each bite satisfying.
Lastly, they are a fun dish to share. We love serving them at gatherings to introduce our friends to Cuban culture. It’s more than just food; it’s about coming together and enjoying each other’s company.
Incorporating these delightful croquettes into our recipes allows us to celebrate our travels and experiences, all while connecting with the rich culinary history of Cuba.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make delicious Cuban croquetas de jamon, we need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s a list of what we recommend:
- Saucepan: We use this for making the roux and cooking the filling.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps us mix ingredients well and scrape the sides of the pan.
- Food Processor: This makes blending the ham effortless and quick.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients before cooking, we keep a few bowls handy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure our recipe turns out just right.
- Baking Sheet: After shaping the croquettes, we use this to hold them before frying.
- Frying Pan: A deep frying pan is great for achieving that crispy texture we love.
- Slotted Spoon: This helps us remove croquetas from the oil without excess grease.
Having these tools ready makes the cooking process smoother. We always enjoy preparing these tasty treats together. Gathering everything beforehand allows us to focus on the fun part: cooking and tasting!
Cooking Instructions
To make delicious Cuban Croquetas de Jamon, follow these simple steps.
- Prepare the Ham
We start by blending any thick-cut ham in a food processor until smooth. This gives our croquetas a nice texture. - Make the Roux
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Add Ingredients
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of flour. Keep stirring until it thickens into a roux. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. - Combine Ham and Sauce
Add the blended ham to the roux and mix well. If you like, we can add a splash of cooking wine for extra flavor. - Chill the Mixture
Let the mixture cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to form the croquetas. - Form the Croquetas
Once chilled, shape the mixture into small cylinders or balls. - Bread the Croquetas
Roll each croqueta in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumbs. - Fry
Heat 2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the croquetas for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Now, we’re ready to enjoy our tasty Cuban croquetas!
Cooking Tips
When making Cuban Croquetas de Jamon, there are a few tips we’ve learned to help perfect this dish.
- Choose the Right Ham: We like mixing two types of ham for a balanced flavor. Try a rich ham like Iberico along with a milder one for a tasty blend.
- Warm the Milk: Heating the milk before adding it to the sauce makes it combine better. Just 30-40 seconds in the microwave works well.
- Blend the Ham: Use a food processor to get the ham finely chopped. This helps the croquetas have a smooth texture.
- Make a Smooth Roux: Melt the butter, then add the flour gradually to avoid lumps. Stir consistently until it becomes a thick paste.
- Be Patient with Cooking: Cook the onions slowly until they’re translucent. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- Add Spices Carefully: Season your mixture with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. It’s important to balance the flavors, so add a little at a time.
- Chill the Mixture: After preparing the filling, let it cool in the fridge. This makes it easier to shape the croquetas.
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe
For the “masa” (the filling):
Diced ham
Butter
Yellow onion finely chopped
Clove garlic, minced
Milk
Flour
Salt
Flaked dried parsley
Ground cumin
Flaked oregano
Black pepper
Sherry cooking wine
For breading and frying:
Eggs
Saltine crackers finely ground in food processor or blender
Oil for frying
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe
Prepare the Filling
Grind the ham in a food processor until finely ground and set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté butter and onion for about 1 minute, then add garlic and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the milk and cook for 1.5–2 minutes, stirring constantly. In a small bowl, mix the flour with the seasonings, then add it to the skillet along with the ground ham and sherry. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture forms a thick paste-like dough. Remove from heat, adjust salt if needed, and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Bread & Fry the Croquettes
Once chilled, shape about 1.5 tablespoons of dough into long cylinders with rounded ends, making 15–20 croquettes. Dip each croquette in beaten egg, coat with ground cracker crumbs, then repeat for a double breading. Let them come to room temperature before frying. Heat oil in a small heavy saucepan to 375°F and fry in small batches until golden brown, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs For the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe
Question: What is the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe?
A: The Cuban Croquetas de Jamon recipe is a popular Cuban appetizer made with a creamy ham filling, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown and crispy.
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe?
A: The Cuban Croquetas de Jamon recipe typically includes ham, butter, milk, flour, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to create a smooth and flavorful filling.
Question: How do you shape the croquettes in the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe?
A: The Cuban Croquetas de Jamon recipe requires chilling the ham mixture until firm, then shaping it into small cylinders or ovals before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying.
Question: Can I bake instead of fry the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe?
A: Yes, the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon recipe can be baked at 400°F until golden brown, but frying gives them the traditional crispy texture.
Question: What can I serve with the Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe?
A: The Cuban Croquetas de Jamon recipe pairs well with a side of mustard, aioli, or hot sauce, and they are often served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a Cuban breakfast.
Cuban Croquetas de Jamon Recipe
Ingredients
For the “masa” (the filling):
- 8 oz ham diced, drained of excess liquid
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp onion yellow finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced (you can sub 1/8 tsp garlic in a pinch)
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp parsley flaked dried
- 1/8 tsp cumin ground
- 1/8 tsp oregano flaked
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sherry cooking wine
For breading and frying:
- 3 eggs beaten
- saltine crackers About 1.5 sleeves, finely ground in food processor or blender
- 2 cups oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Grind the ham in a food processor until finely ground and set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté butter and onion for about 1 minute, then add garlic and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the milk and cook for 1.5–2 minutes, stirring constantly. In a small bowl, mix the flour with the seasonings, then add it to the skillet along with the ground ham and sherry. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture forms a thick paste-like dough. Remove from heat, adjust salt if needed, and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Bread & Fry the Croquettes
- Once chilled, shape about 1.5 tablespoons of dough into long cylinders with rounded ends, making 15–20 croquettes. Dip each croquette in beaten egg, coat with ground cracker crumbs, then repeat for a double breading. Let them come to room temperature before frying. Heat oil in a small heavy saucepan to 375°F and fry in small batches until golden brown, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
1 comment
These Cuban Ham Croquettes were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—exactly how they should be! They were easy to shape and fry, and the flavor was incredible. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they disappeared in minutes. Everyone at the table kept reaching for more, saying they were addictive!
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