Authentic Spanish Jamon Croquetas Recipe

Authentic Jamon Croquetas Recipe – A Spanish Classic

If you’ve ever tasted croquetas in a Spanish tapas bar, you know they’re irresistible. Golden and crispy on the outside, creamy and packed with flavour inside, these Jamón croquetas are the ultimate comfort food. In this post you will find a jamon croquetas video recipe by chef Guillermo Varela, who will show you how to make them just like in Spain – using simple ingredients and a few chef’s tips for perfect results every time.

These croquetas are more than just a snack – they’re a piece of Spanish culinary tradition. Perfect for sharing, they bring the warmth of a tapas bar straight to your table. Whether you’re planning a cosy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will help you create a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. BTW, if you liked the video, you can find more tasty Spanish recipes in English at Chef Guillermo Varela Youtube channel, Cooking from Spain.

Ingredients:

800 ml whole milk
200 ml heavy cream (35% fat)
120 g Jamón (if it is already chopped, even better!)
90 g butter
20 g olive oil
110 g flour
130 g onion (about two small ones)
5 eggs (2 for the béchamel, 3 for coating)
Breadcrumbs
4–6 tsp salt (adjust depending on how cured and salty your ham is)

Step-by-Step Croquetas de Jamón Recipe:

I recommend you to watch the video for a full demonstration on how to cook the croquetas, and use the following just as a quick reminder of the process.

Make the béchamel:

Melt butter in a pan, add the onion and cook until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, then gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thick. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. In the video, the chef adds eggs yolk and fried egg whites to the sauce. Personally, I’m not sure about that, but it may be interesting to try and see how does it go.

Add the jamón:

Stir in the finely chopped jamón and mix well. This is where the magic happens – the jamón infuses the béchamel with its rich, savoury flavour.

Chill the mixture:

Spread the mixture on a tray and let it cool completely in the fridge (at least 4 hours, ideally overnight).

Shape the croquetas:

Here’s a tip I love: use the two spoons technique! It looks tricky, but trust me – it’s easier than using your hands and gives perfect, uniform shapes. I’ve tried it myself and it works brilliantly.

Coat and fry:

Roll each croqueta in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. The chef on the video does not use flour, and neither I do when I cook, but if your croquetas dough is a bit runny, using flour will help to stabilize it and give it consistency. Fry in hot olive oil until golden and crisp.

Latest Blog Posts

Smoked Pimenton De La Vera (DOP) – Authentic Spanish Smoked Paprika in the UK

Few ingredients define Spanish cooking as unmistakably as Smoked Pimenton De La Vera. Deep crimson in colour, intensely aromatic and unmistakably smoky, this spice is far more than “paprika”. It is the backbone of countless traditional dishes and one of Spain’s most...

Easy Chorizo Recipes: Quick Spanish Dishes Packed with Flavour

If you’re looking for easy chorizo recipes that are genuinely quick, full of flavour and feel a little more special than your average weeknight dinner, you’re in the right place. Over the years, I’ve cooked with all sorts of chorizo, but I keep coming back to proper...

How to Choose Paella Rice and Why It Makes All the Difference

To make an authentic Spanish paella, you need to choose paella rice carefully. Short-grain varieties are ideal because they absorb flavour without becoming sticky. The right choice guarantees that every grain stays firm and full of taste, giving you that perfect...

What is Iberico de Bellota? The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Finest Ham

Iberico de Bellota is Spain’s most prestigious ham, crafted from purebred Iberian pigs raised free-range and fed on acorns during the montanera season. This unique diet and traditional curing process create an intense, nutty flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture that...

The fabada recipe (butter bean and chorizo stew)

Fabada Recipe: This traditional Asturian stew combines tender butter beans, smoky chorizo, and rich flavours for the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Perfect for cold days and family gatherings, it’s a dish that brings warmth and authenticity to your table. Learn the...

All About Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Production

Olives have been cultivated in Spain for over 3100 years and Spain is the undisputed world leader in olive oil production. The production of the Spanish liquid gold is the result of a long tradition and the latest scientific knowledge.