Crispy Spanish Croquetas de Jamón with Saffron Aioli

Name: Crispy Spanish Croquetas de Jamón with Saffron Aioli
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4-6
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup diced Jamón Serrano or prosciutto; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk, warmed; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, steeped in 1 tbsp hot water; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt to taste

Golden croquettes filled with creamy ham goodness and a fragrant saffron aioli

Delight in these traditional Spanish appetizers, rich with the flavors of Iberian ham and complemented by a luxurious saffron aioli.

1 h 30 min
4-6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Croquettes

1 cup diced Jamón Serrano or prosciutto

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk, warmed

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Saffron Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, steeped in 1 tbsp hot water

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

Preparation

Making the Béchamel

Melt Butter

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Whisk in Flour

Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Add Milk & Ham

Gradually add warm milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in diced ham, season with salt and pepper.

Chill Mixture

Refrigerate the béchamel mixture until firm (preferably overnight).

Preparing the Croquettes

Shape Croquettes

Shape the chilled béchamel mixture into small balls or cylinders.

Coat Croquettes

Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

⚠ Important: Ensure croquettes are completely chilled before frying to prevent bursting. 💡 Pro Tip: Double-coat for extra crispiness by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.

Cooking Process

Fry Croquettes

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry croquettes in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

Drain Croquettes

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Mix Aioli

Blend mayonnaise, garlic, saffron infusion, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.

Plating & Serving