Ham or Meat Croquettes — Spain’s Most Beloved Tapa at Taperia La Mina
Our Ham or Meat Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón o Carne) are the ultimate comfort food and the most requested tapa in any Spanish bar. We make ours the traditional way: a velvety béchamel sauce is enriched with finely diced serrano ham (or seasoned meat), chilled until firm, then shaped, breaded, and fried to a shatteringly crispy golden shell. One bite reveals the creamy, molten center that makes croquettes absolutely irresistible.
The Perfect Croqueta Technique
Making exceptional croquettes is an art form in Spain. At Taperia La Mina, we start by creating a thick béchamel — butter and flour cooked into a roux, then slowly enriched with warm milk until it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency. Finely minced serrano ham is folded in along with a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. The mixture is chilled for several hours until it can be shaped, then each croqueta is coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried in olive oil until golden and crunchy.
Ham or Meat — Your Choice
We offer our croquettes with two fillings so everyone can enjoy them. The classic version features premium serrano ham, which adds a salty, savory depth to the creamy béchamel. The meat version uses seasoned ground beef for a heartier, more robust flavor. Both versions are equally delicious and pair perfectly with a cold beer or a glass of Spanish cider.
Why Croquettes Are Spain’s Favorite Tapa
There is a reason croquettes appear on virtually every tapas menu in Spain. They are the perfect combination of textures — that initial crunch giving way to the impossibly creamy interior — and flavors that are rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. At Taperia La Mina, we are proud to carry on this tradition with croquettes made fresh daily using time-honored techniques. Discover Spain’s rich tapas culture at our restaurant.