Ham croquettes are a classic appetizer that never seems to go out of style. Their crispy, golden exterior filled with a creamy, savory ham interior makes them an irresistible finger food. But what should you serve alongside these tasty morsels to make a complete meal?
In my house, ham croquettes are a staple for holiday parties and game day snacking. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of side dishes to balance out the richness of the fried croquettes. Through trial and error, I’ve landed on 15 of my favorite pairings that perfectly complement ham croquettes.
In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for side dishes to take your ham croquettes to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a fresh salad, a hearty vegetable, or a creamy dip, you’ll find plenty of delicious ideas to inspire your next ham croquette meal.
A Quick Guide to Ham Croquettes
Before diving into side dish suggestions, let’s start with a brief overview of ham croquettes for those unfamiliar with this appetizer
Ham croquettes consist of minced or chopped ham combined with a creamy béchamel or mashed potato filling. This mixture is then shaped into small disks, cylinders or balls, coated in breadcrumbs or flour and deep fried until crispy and golden brown.
The result is a crispy exterior enveloping a rich, savory, and ultra-creamy interior flavored with salty ham. Other common additions include cheeses like cheddar or gruyère, fresh herbs, mustard, and seasonings
The rich indulgence of fried ham croquettes calls for sides that can cut through the richness. Here are my top 15 side dish recommendations to perfectly complement ham croquettes.
1. Garlic Aioli for Dipping
A creamy garlic aioli is my number one choice for dipping ham croquettes. The smooth, garlicky flavor pairs so well with the fried exterior of the croquettes.
I like to add plenty of minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to my aioli for a tangy creaminess that enhances the ham. Offer ramekins of the aioli for dunking the croquettes into before each bite.
2. Chunky Tomato Salsa
For a fresh, vibrant accompaniment, serve the croquettes with a homemade chunky tomato salsa. The acidity of the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice helps cut through the richness.
Scoop a generous spoonful of salsa on top of the ham croquettes or offer it in a bowl on the side for dipping. The contrast of temperatures and textures takes this appetizer to the next level.
3. Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a retro classic pairing for ham croquettes. The creaminess of the potato salad plays off the creamy interior of the croquettes beautifully.
Make it tangy by adding plenty of mustard, vinegar, and onion. The crunch of the vegetables adds nice texture against the crispy exterior of the croquettes.
4. Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette
For a light and refreshing salad pairing, I love to serve ham croquettes with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a homemade vinaigrette.
The sharp acidity of the vinegar and olive oil complements the salty ham filling of the croquettes. Toss the salad with a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for variety.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Comfort food lovers will appreciate pairing ham croquettes with a scoop of creamy macaroni and cheese. The indulgence of the pasta pairs perfectly with the fried croquettes.
Make it extra cheesy with a blend of cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan. The creaminess of the cheese sauce balances the ham croquette richness.
6. Panzanella Salad
For an Italian-inspired pairing, serve ham croquettes alongside a hearty panzanella salad. This bread and tomato salad offers a nice crunch factor to contrast the croquette texture.
The tanginess of the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and vinegar also help cut through the richness. Toss in some fresh basil for herbaceous flavor.
7. Herbed Rice Pilaf
Buttery, herb-infused rice pilaf makes a pleasant complement to ham croquettes. The light and fluffy rice soaks up any sauce from the croquettes without overpowering them.
Jazz it up with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. Garlic, lemon, and butter add tons of flavor. Serve it family-style in a big bowl for easy scooping.
8. Creamy Coleslaw
Cool and creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing you can’t go wrong with. The crisp cabbage and carrots paired with a creamy dressing complement the hot ham croquettes wonderfully.
For the dressing, I use a tangy combination of mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. The veggies provide needed crunch next to the crispy croquettes.
9. Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
For a healthy vegetable pairing, try roasted broccoli florets drizzled with fresh lemon juice. The bright, slightly charred broccoli provides vitamin C and fiber.
Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. A squeeze of lemon gives it a tangy kick that enhances the ham’s saltiness.
10. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob makes an awesome pairing with ham croquettes. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the savory ham filling perfectly.
Char it on the grill then top with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh herbs. The juices from the corn can be used as a tasty sauce for the croquettes.
11. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For an extra creamy and indulgent side, try garlic mashed potatoes alongside your ham croquettes. Using leftover mashed potatoes to make the croquettes? Then prepare a fresh batch to serve.
Mashed russets or Yukon golds seasoned with roasted garlic, butter, cream, and chives are sublime. The texture contrasts the crunchy exterior of the croquettes.
12. Dill Pickle Spears
Offering crisp, tart dill pickle spears can provide welcomed acidity and crunch to counter the ham croquettes. The briny flavor of the pickles also complements the saltiness of the ham.
Look for refrigerated pickles rather than shelf-stable ones which tend to be less crunchy. I love the combination of flavors when eating a bite of croquette and pickle together.
13. Crackers and Mustard
For easy snacking, serve ham croquettes with a selection of crackers, flatbreads, or baguette slices alongside mustard for dipping. This allows you to create little open-faced sandwiches.
The crunch of the crackers or bread provides textural contrast to the creamy croquettes. Yellow mustard, honey mustard, or Dijon all make great condiment choices.
14. Greek Salad
A refreshing Greek salad is one of my favorite sides for ham croquettes. The combo of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta cheese offers bright flavors and textures that pair beautifully with the croquettes.
Toss it in a red wine vinaigrette and garnish with fresh oregano. The acidity and herbs in this salad complement the ham croquettes flawlessly.
15. Hummus and Pita Chips
For Mediterranean inspiration, serve the croquettes with creamy chickpea hummus and crunchy pita chips. The nutty tahini flavor in hummus matches well with the ham’s richness.
The chips offer a crispy vehicle for scooping up the hummus and croquettes together in one tasty bite. Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and paprika.
Putting It All Together
Ham croquettes are an easy appetizer to prepare for gatherings, but the side dishes really take the meal to the next level. When planning your menu, opt for a mix of lighter sides like salads and fresh vegetables along with heartier options like rice, pasta, or potatoes.
Having a balance of flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods will ensure a well-rounded dining experience. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavor combinations!
For a casual game day spread, I love to offer ham croquettes with pickles, coleslaw, crackers and aioli for dipping. For a dinner party, they pair elegantly with a Greek salad and herbed rice pilaf.
You could also assemble a tapas spread with ham croquettes, panzanella salad, marinated olives and hummus. The possibilities are endless!
The most important tip is to choose sides that can stand up to and complement the indulgent ham croquettes. Acidic, crunchy, and fresh ingredients tend to work best.
Croquetas de jamón | The Ultimate Spanish ham croquettes
FAQ
What do you serve with croquettes?
How do you keep croquettes from falling apart?
What to have with korokke?
Are croquettes healthy?
How to make ham croquettes?
The dough for ham croquettes is really easy to make. You just need about 30 minutes and a strong arm. Let’s go! Start by heating the butter and oil in a heavy pan. When fully melted and hot, add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes– until just starting to color. 3. Next, mix in the nutmeg and a pinch of salt. 4.
What to serve with ham & cheese croquettes?
But I love those idea! Ham and Cheese Croquettes are a traditional Spanish tapa and a delicious easy-to-make appetizer to serve at a party. Fill the croquettes with Manchego cheese and Iberico Ham, or Prosciutto and Parmesan for an Italian twist.
What sauce goes with ham croquettes?
Add a mustard sauce: A mustard dipping sauce will pair beautifully with ham croquettes. Make a basic white sauce (it comes together in minutes), and stir in a tablespoon or two of yellow, honey or spicy brown mustard. Serve it on the side for drizzling or dipping.
Are ham croquettes good for dinner?
As far as ham recipes for dinner go, these croquettes are wonderfully indulgent, full of smoky ham, a pinch of curry powder and a little onion. There’s an optional savory cheese sauce made with Swiss and cheddar, which can be served on the side for dipping or drizzled over the tops just before serving.