Ham Croquetas
Crisp crumbed balls with a soft, creamy ham filling, the best-loved bar snack in Spain.
- Time1 hr 30 plus chilling
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.58 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Melt the butter in a saucepan and soften the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the ham.
5 min - 2
Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Pour in the milk a little at a time, beating well, until you have a very thick sauce. Cook for 8 minutes, then add the nutmeg.
8 min - 3
Spread the mixture on a plate, cover and chill for at least 3 hours, until firm.
- 4
Shape spoonfuls into small logs. Roll in the egg, then the breadcrumbs, and repeat for a thicker crust.
- 5
Heat the oil in a deep pan until a breadcrumb sizzles at once. Fry in batches for 2 minutes until deep golden.
2 min - 6
Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.