Rocky's Zesty Ham Croquettes

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

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

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup dried minced onion
• 4 eggs, divided
• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds leftover baked ham
• ½ cup fresh chopped garlic
• 3 cups Italian-style bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Grind ham into a large bowl.

Step 2

Beat 3 eggs in a small bowl.

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 the ham; add the 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 a bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Pour remaining 2 cups bread crumbs into a large nonstick baking pan. Dip each croquette in the egg and roll in bread crumbs.

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 a paper towels to drain excess oil.