Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe

If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying snack, you’re going to love my Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe. These little golden bites are the perfect way to turn leftover potatoes and ham into something downright irresistible. I remember the first time I made them—I couldn’t believe how crispy on the outside, yet soft and melty on the inside they turned out. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe brings its own magic to the party. I like to use good-quality sharp cheddar for that punch of flavor, and the diced ham adds a perfect little salty kick. Here’s what you’ll want on hand.

• Leftover mashed potatoes: It’s best when they’re cold and firm so the croquettes hold their shape better.
• Diced ham: Use quality ham—or even smoked ham for a deeper flavor boost.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and balances the potatoes perfectly.
• Sliced chives: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens everything up.
• Garlic powder: Just a subtle hint of garlic makes a big flavor difference without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Helps bind the mixture and gives the perfect crispy crust when frying.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying without burning.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe is. Feel free to swap or add ingredients depending on what you’re in the mood for or what’s in your fridge. You’ll find these tweaks make the recipe feel fresh every time you make it.

• Spicy Kick: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that my family went wild for.
• Different Cheeses: Mixing mozzarella or gruyère with cheddar gives a fancy, gooey texture that’s super indulgent.
• Herb Boost: Fresh parsley or thyme can replace chives for a different fresh note.
• Gluten-Free: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free alternative and the croquettes still crisped up nicely.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Together Your Main Ingredients

Grab a big bowl and add your mashed potatoes, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, and ½ cup of flour. I always use a wooden spoon here—something sturdy—to mix everything up until combined but don’t over-mix; you want the texture to stay slightly chunky. If you mix too much, the potatoes can get gummy, and we want light, fluffy croquettes inside.

Step 2: Shape Into Perfect Croquettes

Lightly flour your hands to keep the mixture from sticking, then divide it into 16 small flat discs—about half an inch thick works great. I discovered using a cookie scoop here makes this step so much easier and gives you even portions, so every croquette cooks evenly. Don’t worry if yours aren’t perfect circles; rustic always tastes better!

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about ½ cup of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet—cast iron is my top pick for even heating. To check if the oil is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water into the pan; if it sizzles and dances, you’re good to go. Fry the croquettes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Give them about 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully once, until they’re golden brown and crisp all around. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then let them cool for about 5 minutes before diving in.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped chives or fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or even a drizzle of tangy mustard pairs wonderfully and adds a nice contrast to the richness of the croquettes.

Side Dishes

These croquettes are brilliant paired with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance out all that indulgence. When I serve them for dinner, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a light tomato salsa really rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these croquettes stacked with a drizzle of garlic aioli and topped with microgreens. They look fancy but are actually super easy to assemble, and trust me—your guests will think you slaved away for hours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftover croquettes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

One time I made a big batch, froze them on a baking sheet first, then transferred them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just re-fry frozen croquettes straight from the freezer—they crisp up beautifully without needing to thaw.

Reheating

To keep that crispy exterior intact, I avoid microwaving and instead pop leftovers onto a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again—trust me, it makes a huge difference.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes Recipe is a game changer for using up leftovers and impressing everyone with minimal effort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients and a bit of love can turn into something so comforting and delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be making these crispy, cheesy bites again and again, just like I do!

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