Quick Ham Croquettes
Delicious and savory ham croquettes with a crispy coating, perfect as an appetizer or snack, featuring a rich ham filling with a hint of mustard and onion flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt Spry (Crisco) in a saucepan.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, mustard, and onion juice; blend well.
- Add milk and cook until thick and smooth, stirring constantly.
- Add cooked ham and blend thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture in an 8 x 8-inch pan and chill until stiff.
- Cut the mixture into 8 triangles by cutting twice from corner to corner, then twice more through the center from side to side.
- Coat the croquettes with coarsely ground crushed corn flakes or fine bread crumbs before frying.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the ham with cooked bacon or add shredded cheese to the mixture. If you don’t have onion juice, finely grated onion works well too. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure to chill the mixture thoroughly; this helps the croquettes hold their shape while frying.
Serving Suggestions
These Quick Ham Croquettes make a delightful appetizer or snack. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as mustard or a spicy aioli. They pair nicely with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a light meal. For a brunch option, consider serving alongside a platter of Microwave Denver Sandwiches for an enticing spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the croquettes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Ham Croquettes contains roughly 174 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the croquettes before frying them?
Yes, you can freeze the formed croquettes before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want to substitute the ham, cooked chicken or turkey works well, or you could try using sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that any substitute is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
How can I make these croquettes spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce to give each bite an extra kick. This can elevate the flavor profile and make for a more exciting dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).