These great-tasting croquettes are crispy on the outside and full of warm cheesy mashed potato mixed with ham on the inside – simple and delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 16
Ingredients
| 270g fluffy potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper), peeled, boiled and mashed |
| 50g butter |
| 50g plain flour |
| Pinch of nutmeg |
| 220ml semi-skimmed milk |
| 1 bay leaf (optional) |
| 100g grated hard cheese (e.g. strong cheddar) |
| 125g thick-cut ham, cut into ½cm cubes |
| Golden breadcrumbs, to coat |
| Spicy tomato salsa, to serve |
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
2. Make the sauce: Melt the butter, whisk in the flour and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
3. Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk over a medium heat. Add the bay leaf, if using, and cook until thickened.
4. Mix the filling: Stir in the cheese, potato and ham. Leave for 5 minutes to infuse, then remove the bay leaf.
5. Shape the croquettes: Spread the mixture into an even rectangle on a cling film-lined tray and score into 16 rectangles. Roll each into a short, fat sausage and coat in breadcrumbs.
6. Bake and serve: Remove the cling film, spray the croquettes with cooking oil and bake for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as they may spread and collapse. Serve warm with spicy tomato salsa.