There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly fried potato croquette. Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and filled with savory goodness, croquettes are one of those dishes that feel both nostalgic and indulgent. Crispy Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes take that comfort to the next level by combining fluffy mashed potatoes with salty ham and gooey melted cheese—all wrapped in a crunchy breadcrumb shell.

This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, party food, or even a casual dinner side, these croquettes deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. They’re also an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or extra ham, making them both practical and delicious.

Croquettes have roots in European cuisine, particularly French and Spanish cooking, where they’re often made with béchamel or mashed potatoes and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. This ham and cheese version leans into classic comfort food territory, offering familiar flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike.

What truly sets these croquettes apart is the texture contrast. The exterior fries up beautifully crisp, while the interior remains soft, creamy, and rich. When you bite into one, the cheese stretches slightly, the ham adds savory depth, and the potatoes bring everything together into a perfectly balanced bite.

These croquettes are also wonderfully versatile. You can fry them traditionally, air-fry them for a lighter version, or even bake them if you prefer a hands-off approach. Serve them with mustard, garlic aioli, ranch, or a simple ketchup, and you have a dish that disappears fast—no matter the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes are one of those recipes that quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. They’re affordable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, the method is straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive.

They’re also perfect for make-ahead cooking. You can shape and bread the croquettes in advance, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and fry them whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer. That makes them ideal for entertaining, busy weeknights, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Mashed potatoes (cold and firm work best)
Cooked ham, finely diced
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Egg
All-purpose flour
Breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
Salt
Black pepper
Optional seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, or nutmeg)
Neutral oil for frying

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, diced ham, shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. The filling should be flavorful on its own.
Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into cylinders or oval croquettes using your hands.
Place the shaped croquettes on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Prepare a breading station: one bowl with flour, one bowl with beaten egg, and one bowl with breadcrumbs.
Roll each croquette in flour, dip into egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry croquettes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Croquettes

Use cold mashed potatoes: Warm potatoes are too soft and make shaping difficult.
Don’t overfill: Too much cheese can cause leaking during frying.
Double bread for extra crunch: Dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs if you want an ultra-crispy shell.
Maintain oil temperature: Oil that’s too hot browns too fast; too cool makes greasy croquettes.

Variations to Try

Smoked Ham & Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and smoked ham.
Spicy Croquettes: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the potato mixture.
Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped parsley, chives, or thyme.
Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded croquettes lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crispy Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes as an appetizer with dipping sauces, as a side dish alongside a fresh salad, or even as a fun lunch with soup. They’re also excellent on party platters and holiday spreads.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Unfried croquettes can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Fun Food Fact

The word “croquette” comes from the French word croquer, meaning “to crunch”—a fitting name for this delightfully crispy dish.