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Croquetas

Crisp golden cylinders hiding a molten, creamy béchamel studded with serrano ham — the most-ordered tapa in Spain.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 25 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Croquetas

Croquetas are the ultimate Spanish comfort bite: creamy béchamel studded with serrano ham, chilled until firm, breaded, and fried until golden. The exterior shatters while the inside melts — rich, savory, and dangerously moreish.

No tapas spread feels complete without a plate of these little logs. Ham is the classic filling, but home cooks also use salt cod, chicken, mushrooms, or even leftover cocido.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring, then slowly whisk in the warm milk to make a smooth, thick béchamel.
  3. Stir in the ham and nutmeg, season with salt and white pepper, and cook 3-4 minutes until very thick. Spread on a tray, cover, and chill at least 2 hours.
  4. Shape the chilled mixture into 2-inch logs. Coat each in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F and fry the croquettes in batches for 2-3 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot, with aioli or a wedge of lemon if you like.

💡 Chef tips & storage

A properly set croqueta filling should hold its shape when fried — do not skip the long chill. Fry only a few at a time so the oil stays hot and the coating stays crisp.

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Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook25 min
Servings6
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →