Simply Stunning Spanish Croquetas Recipe – Spanish Special
Spanish Croquetas are a beloved tapas snack featuring a silky béchamel filling paired with jamón, chicken, or cheese, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crisp. The creamy interior contrasts beautifully with the golden, crunchy exterior, making each bite deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving something indulgent, these croquetas offer both elegance and flavor. Serve them hot with aioli or spicy tomato sauce for the perfect crispy bite addition to your tapas spread.
- Prep Time25 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Perform Time1 hr
- Total Time1 hr 45 min
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ¾ cup finely chopped jamón, cooked chicken, or cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warm
- Salt and nutmeg, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Breading & Frying:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Oil, for deep frying
Make the Filling:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft and translucent.
Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, forming a roux.
Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook until thick and creamy.
Stir in ham, chicken, or cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Spread mixture on a tray and let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape the Croquetas:
Once chilled, scoop small portions and roll into cylinders or ovals.
Dust each with flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pan (about 175°C / 350°F).
Fry croquettes in batches until golden brown—about 2–3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Serve hot with aioli, spicy tomato sauce, or as part of a tapas spread with olives, manchego, and wine.
Recipe Notes :
Filling Variations: Swap the jamón for mushrooms, tuna, or blue cheese for new flavor combinations.
Cooling Tips: Chill the béchamel mixture thoroughly before shaping croquetas so they hold their form during frying.
Breading Technique: For extra crunch, double-coat the croquetas in breadcrumbs and press gently to adhere.
Make-Ahead Option: You can shape and bread croquetas ahead of time, then freeze. Fry them straight from frozen when ready.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with aioli, spicy tomato sauce, or a drizzle of garlic-herb mayo to elevate the flavors.
