My Great Grandmother's Ham Croquettes Recipe

This My Great Grandmother’s Ham Croquettes Recipe is a cherished family heirloom that turns simple leftover ham into crispy, golden bites with just four pantry staples. Unlike complex French croquettes that require a finicky béchamel sauce, this rustic version relies on a straightforward binder and a hot oven to create a savory, crunchy exterior without the mess of deep-frying.

Jump to Recipe

Ham Croquettes Ingredients

½ pound Diced Ham: The star of the show. It is best if the ham is diced very finely or pulsed in a food processor so the mixture holds together easily.
1 Large Egg: Acts as the primary adhesive, binding the protein and crumbs into a shapeable dough.
1 tablespoon Mayonnaise: Adds essential moisture and fat, preventing the lean ham from drying out during baking.
1 cup Dry Bread Crumbs: Divided into two halves. You will use half inside the mixture for structure and the other half on the outside for that essential crunch.

My Great Grandmother's Ham Croquettes Recipe — My Great Grandmother’s Ham Croquettes Recipe

How To Make Ham Croquettes

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish or baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Make the Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, the egg, the mayonnaise, and only half (1/2 cup) of the dry bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a sticky, cohesive mass.
Shape: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Using your hands, firmly press and shape each portion into a tight ball or oval log.
Coat: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of bread crumbs onto a flat plate or shallow dish. Roll each ham ball in the crumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are coated evenly on all sides. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the croquettes are firm to the touch and the crumb coating is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

Dice Size: If your ham chunks are too large, the balls will crumble apart. Aim for a mince size similar to relish or coarse ground beef.
Cheesy Addition: As noted by the original cook, these are excellent with a cube of Cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese hidden in the center, or simply mixed into the binding.
Extra Crisp: For a more golden color without frying, give the breaded balls a quick spritz of olive oil cooking spray before they go into the oven.
Flavor Boost: While simple is traditional, adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the wet mixture adds a nice depth of flavor.

What To Serve With Ham Croquettes

Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy remoulade are perfect for dunking.
Green Salad: A crisp vinaigrette salad balances the savory, salty nature of the ham.
Macaroni and Cheese: Pairs perfectly for a comfort food feast.
Steamed Broccoli: A simple vegetable side rounds out the meal.

How To Store Ham Croquettes

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 10 minutes to restore the crispiness. Microwaving will make them soggy.
Freeze: You can freeze the shaped, unbaked balls. Bake them frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Ham Croquettes Nutrition Facts

Calories: 140 kcal
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 10g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 croquettes.

FAQs

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes. You can pan-fry them in about an inch of oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Why are my croquettes falling apart?

This usually happens if the ham pieces are too big or the mixture is too dry. Try adding a little more mayonnaise or another egg yolk if the mixture isn’t holding its shape before baking.

Can I use turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up any leftover roasted meat. Just ensure the meat is seasoned well, as ham is naturally saltier than poultry.