Freshly fried Cheesy Ham & Potato Croquettes are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside, with salty ham and gooey melted cheese in every bite. They’re basically comfort food in crunchy golden form.
Here’s a solid homemade version:
🧀🥔 Cheesy Ham & Potato Croquettes
🧂 Ingredients
Potato base:
- 3 large potatoes (boiled, peeled, mashed)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for smooth mash)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Filling:
- ½ cup cooked ham (finely chopped)
- ¾ cup cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, shredded or cubed)
- 2 tbsp spring onions or parsley (optional)
Coating:
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour (for first coat)
For frying:
- Oil (deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the potato mixture
- Mash boiled potatoes while still warm
- Mix in butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and milk
- Let it cool completely (important so croquettes hold shape)
2. Add filling
- Stir in chopped ham, cheese, and herbs
- Mix until evenly combined
3. Shape croquettes
- Take a spoonful of mixture
- Shape into cylinders or small logs
- Make sure cheese is enclosed well inside
4. Coat properly (for extra crunch)
- Roll in flour → dip in beaten egg → coat in breadcrumbs
- For extra crispiness, repeat egg + breadcrumbs once more
5. Fry
- Heat oil to medium (170–180°C)
- Fry in batches until golden brown (3–5 minutes)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
6. Drain & serve
- Place on paper towel or rack
- Serve hot while cheese is still melty inside
🍽️ Best served with:
- Garlic mayo or ranch dip
- Spicy ketchup
- Honey mustard sauce
- Or just plain—they’re already rich and flavorful
🌟 Tips for perfect croquettes
- Chill shaped croquettes 20–30 minutes before frying for less breaking
- Dry potatoes = better structure (don’t over-milk the mash)
- Double coating = extra crunch and less oil absorption
- Use cold cheese cubes for gooey “cheese pull” effect
🔥 Variations
- 🧀 Extra cheesy: add cheese cube in the center
- 🌶️ Spicy version: add chili flakes or jalapeños
- 🥓 Bacon swap: replace ham with crispy bacon bits
- 🍃 Herb version: add parsley, dill, or chives for freshness
If you want, I can also make:
- 🧀 A mozzarella-stuffed croquette with cheese pull
- 🍟 A fast air fryer version (less oil)
- 🍔 Or a croquette burger sandwich idea
