Ham croquettes are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, the question remains: what should you serve with them?
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect pairing. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sides and accompaniments to serve with ham croquettes.
From classic dishes to creative twists, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to elevate your next ham croquette experience. So let’s dive in and discover what to serve with this beloved snack!
What To Serve With Ham Croquettes?
When it comes to serving ham croquettes, there are a variety of options to consider. One classic pairing is a simple green salad, which can help balance out the richness of the croquettes. A light vinaigrette or lemon dressing can add a refreshing touch.
If you’re looking for something heartier, consider serving your ham croquettes with a side of baked beans. The sweetness of the beans can complement the saltiness of the ham, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.
For a more Mediterranean-inspired twist, try serving your ham croquettes with grilled halloumi cheese and a side of rocket salad. The salty cheese and peppery greens can add a burst of flavor to your meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some spice to your ham croquette experience. A side of jalapeno poppers or spicy coleslaw can add some heat and depth to your meal.
And let’s not forget about the classic pairing of bread and cheese. Serve your ham croquettes with a side of crusty bread and some creamy goat cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Classic Side Dishes For Ham Croquettes
If you’re looking for classic side dishes to serve with ham croquettes, there are a few options that are sure to please. One popular choice is macaroni and cheese, which can add a creamy and comforting element to your meal. Another classic pairing is mashed potatoes, which can help soak up any excess sauce from the croquettes.
For a more Southern-inspired twist, consider serving your ham croquettes with collard greens or black-eyed peas. These hearty and flavorful sides can add a touch of soul to your meal.
If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving your ham croquettes with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus can add a touch of sweetness and texture to your meal.
And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic potato salad or coleslaw. These refreshing and crunchy sides can help balance out the rich flavors of the ham croquettes.
Creative Twists On Traditional Pairings
If you’re looking to take your ham croquette pairing to the next level, consider some creative twists on traditional pairings. Instead of serving your croquettes with a simple green salad, try adding some roasted vegetables to the mix. Roasting vegetables like broccoli or sweet potatoes can add a depth of flavor and texture to your meal.
For a more decadent option, consider serving your ham croquettes with a creamy pasta dish or risotto. The richness of the pasta or risotto can complement the creaminess of the croquettes, creating a truly indulgent meal.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, try serving your ham croquettes with a side of spicy tomato sauce instead of the traditional sweet sauce. The heat from the sauce can add a nice kick to your meal and bring out the smoky flavors of the ham.
For a unique twist on the classic bread and cheese pairing, try serving your ham croquettes with a side of grilled cheese sandwich bites. Cut small squares of grilled cheese and serve them alongside your croquettes for a fun and playful take on this classic combination.
Finally, if you’re looking for a refreshing and light pairing, consider serving your ham croquettes with a side of watermelon and feta salad. The sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta can complement the flavors of the ham croquettes perfectly.
Unexpected Accompaniments To Try
While there are many classic pairings for ham croquettes, there are also some unexpected accompaniments to consider trying. One option is to serve your croquettes with a side of roasted spring vegetables. The fresh and vibrant flavors of the vegetables can complement the rich and savory ham croquettes.
If you’re looking for a unique twist, consider serving your ham croquettes with croquetas de Jamon. These Spanish appetizers are fried balls of ham and milk-based sauce, similar to the ham croquettes themselves. The combination of the two can create a delicious and indulgent meal.
For a more exotic pairing, try serving your ham croquettes with marinated carrots, also known as zanahorías aliñadas. The sweet and tangy flavors of the carrots can balance out the richness of the ham croquettes, creating a well-rounded meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving your ham croquettes with a side of Spanish salmon croquettes. These fried balls of salmon and potatoes can add a unique texture and flavor to your meal.
Lastly, for a truly indulgent experience, try serving your ham croquettes with Iberian ham croquettes. These fried balls of ham and milk-based sauce are similar to the classic ham croquettes but with an even richer and meatier flavor.
Beverage Pairings To Complement Ham Croquettes
When it comes to selecting a beverage to pair with ham croquettes, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it’s important to note that the type of croquette will dictate the type of wine you should choose. For example, ham croquettes pair well with structured wines that have a notable tannin content, such as a young Syrah or Tempranillo red wine. Chicken croquettes, on the other hand, can be accompanied by a good sparkling wine due to their lighter flavor profile.
If you prefer white wine, opt for a young or cask-aged Chardonnay to pair with cod croquettes. Boletus and cheese croquettes require powerful wines, such as a Tempranillo Crianza or Reserva due to their strong flavor.
For those who prefer beer, specialty choices from Germany and Belgium are a natural fit with hot ham and cheese on a Kaiser roll. Pickles and potato chips (or leftover potatoes) on the side can add an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re not a fan of alcohol, apple cider can be a great non-alcoholic option to pair with eggs and ham for brunch.
Tips For Serving And Enjoying Ham Croquettes With Sides
1. Consider the flavor profile: When selecting side dishes to serve with ham croquettes, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the croquettes. Ham croquettes have a salty and savory flavor, so it’s important to choose sides that complement these flavors.
2. Balance richness with freshness: Ham croquettes can be quite rich, so it’s a good idea to pair them with sides that offer some freshness and balance. A simple green salad with a light dressing or roasted vegetables can help cut through the richness of the croquettes.
3. Experiment with textures: Croquettes have a crispy exterior and a creamy filling, so it’s fun to experiment with different textures when choosing side dishes. For example, baked beans offer a soft and sweet texture that pairs well with the crispy croquettes.
4. Add some spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some spice to your ham croquette experience. Spicy coleslaw or jalapeno poppers can add some heat and depth to your meal.
5. Don’t forget about bread and cheese: Bread and cheese are classic accompaniments to croquettes. Serve your ham croquettes with a side of crusty bread and some creamy goat cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal.
