Easy To Make Croquetas De Jamón Y Queso
By Melissa Pitts
I love croquetas. They are easy, require only a handful of ingredients (most you already have) and can be made with any thing. This recipe uses Manchego cheese and Serrano ham, but you can use any kind of ham and cheese or, to make it vegetarian you can use mushrooms or any other vegetable you like.
This recipe has you bake the croquetas — I do this because I hate the mess that goes into deep frying them, plus you save calories by baking vs frying.
These little guys are great for an appetizer or snack and can be made the night before and you can just pop them in the oven right before guests come over. Happy eating!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling time
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish onion
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cup low fat or whole milk, but not skim
- 1/3 cup finely chopped Serrano ham (can substitute prosciutto or regular ham),
- 1/3 cup grated Manchego cheese, or any cheese you like
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- salt
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
- Heat the oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the flour and cook 1-2 minutes while whisking frequently. Gradually add the milk while whisking and continue to cook another 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth bechemal sauce. Stir in the ham, cheese and nutmeg. Cook another 1-2 minutes while stirring. Taste the mixture and add salt if needed. Spread the mixture into a dish. Refrigerate until solid- this could take about 2 hours and can be done the night before.
- Meanwhile beat the egg whites in a shall bowl. In another bowl add the breadcrumbs, pinch of salt and paprika.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- With your hands form the chilled mixture into balls or cylinders. Dip each croqueta first in the beaten egg, then in bread crumbs, taking care that they are well covered. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup) 2 inches apart.
- Spray the croquetas with cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and serve.
