Rocky's Zesty Ham Croquettes

These zesty ham croquettes, packed with leftover ham, dried onions, garlic, bread crumbs, and Cheddar cheese, are lightly breaded and fried until golden.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 330 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 eggs, divided
• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup dried minced onion
• 1.5 pounds leftover baked ham
• 0.5 cup fresh chopped garlic

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Grind ham into a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

Beat 3 eggs in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and dried onion; cook and stir until browned, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture into the bowl with ham; add beaten eggs, 1 cup bread crumbs, Cheddar cheese, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix by hand until combined; mold into 15 to 18 medium croquettes or rectangular balls.

Step 4

Beat remaining 1 egg in the same small egg bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Spread remaining 2 cups bread crumbs into a large nonstick baking pan. Dip each croquette in egg wash and roll in bread crumbs to coat evenly.

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add croquettes; fry in batches until golden brown, about 10 minutes total. Place finished croquettes on paper towels to drain excess oil.