Appetizer · Spanish · Snack ·

Smoky Spanish Serrano Ham Croquettes with Manchego Fondue

Name: Smoky Spanish Serrano Ham Croquettes with Manchego Fondue
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup Serrano ham, finely diced; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup Manchego cheese, grated; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon white wine; Pinch of nutmeg; Vegetable oil, enough for frying

Indulge in these traditional Spanish croquettes filled with smoky Serrano ham, served with a rich Manchego fondue for a comforting and decadent treat.

4.3(711 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 27, 2026

Smoky Spanish Serrano Ham Croquettes with Manchego Fondue — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Croquettes

For the Breading

For the Manchego Fondue

For Frying

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 680 kcal
Protein: 25.75 g
Carbs: 37.25 g
Fat: 47.75 g
Fiber: 1.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2720 kcal
Protein: 103 g
Carbs: 149 g
Fat: 191 g
Fiber: 7 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup Serrano ham finely diced	180	24	1	9	0
1 1/2 cups whole milk	225	12	18	12	0
1/4 cup unsalted butter	400	0	0	45	0
1/4 cup all-purpose flour	110	3	23	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup breadcrumbs	430	14	78	5	5
2 large eggs beaten	140	12	2	10	0
1/4 cup all-purpose flour	110	3	23	0	1
1 cup Manchego cheese grated	420	32	1	33	0
1/2 cup heavy cream	400	3	3	43	0
1 tablespoon white wine	3	0	0	0	0
Pinch of nutmeg	2	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil enough for frying	300	0	0	34	0

These are estimated values and not intended as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Croquette Filling

1
Heat the roux base
Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2
Create the roux
Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes.
3
Add milk
Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
Tip: Ensure the bechamel is thick and smooth before adding the ham.

Preparing the Manchego Fondue

1
Warm cream
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat.
2
Melt cheese
Add Manchego cheese, stirring until smooth.
3
Finish fondue
Stir in white wine and a pinch of nutmeg.

How to Make Smoky Spanish Serrano Ham Croquettes with Manchego Fondue

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Shaping the Croquettes
Shape the chilled mixture into small cylinders or ovals.
2
Breading the Croquettes
Roll in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3
Frying the Croquettes
Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.