Ham and Cheese Croquettes

Ham and cheese croquettes are a beloved snack or appetizer consisting of a creamy, savory filling of diced ham and melted cheese, typically bound in a thick béchamel sauce, which is then shaped, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. They are a staple in Spanish tapas bars and are popular across Europe and Latin America, often served hot with a dipping sauce like aioli or mustard.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

These croquettes are high in both fat and carbohydrates due to the creamy filling and fried breadcrumb coating, providing a good source of protein from the ham and cheese. A typical serving of two small croquettes offers around 250-300 calories, with notable amounts of calcium and sodium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	580 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Selenium	12 µg
Vitamin B12	0.8 µg
Zinc	1.5 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Vitamin A	80 µg
Niacin (B3)	2.5 mg

Per 2 small croquettes (approx. 100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The technique of using a thick béchamel base to encase savory fillings before frying is a classic French culinary method that has been adopted and personalized across many cultures, making croquettes a globally adaptable comfort food.