Potato Croquettes are golden fried mashed potato balls loaded with ham and cheese. They are crispy, tasty and a great way to use up leftovers after the holidays!.
We definitely love our make ahead mashed potatoes and baked ham for the holidays. But with our favorite dishes comes a dilemma. What should you do with the extras? I know how to use up your holiday ham and mashed potatoes: fry up some ham and cheese potato croquettes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside!
Ham croquettes are a delicious and versatile appetizer, snack, or light meal. Their mild ham flavor and crispy, breaded exterior make them an easy crowd-pleaser. But serving up ham croquettes on their own would be a missed opportunity! With the right sides, you can transform basic ham croquettes into a show-stopping dish.
In this article, I’ll suggest 15 tasty sides that complement ham croquettes perfectly Ranging from classics like mashed potatoes to unexpected pairings like fried green tomatoes, these sides will elevate your ham croquettes and impress your guests.
Complementary Sides for Ham Croquettes
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular pairings for ham croquettes The soft, creamy potatoes contrast nicely with the crunchy exterior of the croquettes Plain mashed potatoes work well, but for something more special, try
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Add lots of garlic and Parmesan for a savory flavor
- Loaded mashed potatoes – Mix in cheese, bacon, chives, etc.
- Mashed sweet potatoes – For a seasonal twist
No matter how you make them, mashed potatoes are a foolproof match for ham croquettes.
2. Green Beans
Green beans – either steamed, sautéed, or roasted – make a classic vegetable side for ham croquettes. Their fresh, bright taste balances the rich croquettes Toss the beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper Or, for a twist, cook them with crispy bacon pieces.
3. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is another traditional pairing for ham. The cool, crisp cabbage and carrots cut through the fried croquettes nicely. For homemade coleslaw, simply toss shredded cabbage with mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Or jazz it up with extras like jalapeños, pineapple, or cilantro.
4. Corn on the Cob
In the summer, serve ham croquettes with grilled or boiled corn on the cob. The sweet corn complements the salty ham filling of the croquettes. Slather the corn with butter or mayo for extra richness. For a Mexican-inspired twist, top it with crema, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
5. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots make an elegant, restaurant-worthy side for ham croquettes. Simmer chopped carrots in butter, brown sugar, garlic, and herbs until glossy and tender. The natural sweetness of the carrots balances the savoriness of the ham. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color.
6. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a great choice for outdoor meals and barbecues featuring ham croquettes. Mix cubed potatoes with a mayo-based dressing, onions, pickles, hard boiled eggs, and other veggies you enjoy. The cool, mayo-coated potatoes are the perfect foil for hot, crunchy croquettes straight from the fryer.
7. Macaroni Salad
Like potato salad, chilled macaroni salad makes a refreshing accompaniment to fried ham croquettes. Toss cooked elbow macaroni with mayo, diced red bell pepper, celery, onion, shredded carrot, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. The brightness of the veggies cuts the richness.
8. Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy dinner rolls round out the meal when serving ham croquettes. They’re ideal for sopping up any tasty dipping sauces. Opt for classics like Parker House rolls, crescent rolls, or buttery biscuits. Brush with garlic butter or try unique flavors like rosemary-sea salt or pumpkin spice.
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
For a down-home Southern meal, serve ham croquettes with fried green tomatoes. Slice firm, unripe tomatoes and coat them in buttermilk and breadcrumbs before frying. The tart tomatoes and crispy crust make a fun contrast to the croquettes. Ranch dressing is ideal for dipping.
10. Creamed Spinach
Buttery creamed spinach is a sophisticated, upscale pairing for ham croquettes. Sauté chopped spinach in olive oil and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, and seasonings. The rich, velvety spinach sauce complements ham croquettes beautifully. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.
11. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, red peppers, and eggplant makes a well-rounded side. Toss the veggies in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs and roast at 400°F until caramelized. Their natural sweetness balances the saltiness of ham croquettes.
12. Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent pairing, serve ham croquettes with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. Slice potatoes thinly, layer them with cream, garlic, and a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden on top. The potatoes and croquettes are comfort food perfection.
13. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice’s creamy, tropical flavor complements ham croquettes wonderfully. Cook rice with coconut milk, chopped cilantro, lime juice, shredded coconut, and salt. The rice’s subtle sweetness offsets the ham’s saltiness. Diced mango or pineapple salsa makes it even more luxe.
14. Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
For a unique veggie pairing, roast a mix of carrots and parsnips with honey, olive oil, salt and pepper. The natural sweetness of the veggies is intensified by the honey glaze. The bright colors look stunning next to golden ham croquettes.
15. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad makes a bright, lighter pairing for rich ham croquettes. Mix diced melons, berries, pineapple, grapes, and citrus. The sweet fruits contrast the savory croquettes. For a dressier salad, add pomegranate seeds, mint, or toasted coconut.
Ham Croquette Dinner Menu Ideas
Here are a few full menu ideas to spark inspiration for your next ham croquette meal:
- Ham croquettes, mashed potatoes, and glazed carrots
- Ham croquettes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob
- Ham croquettes, macaroni salad, and fried green tomatoes
- Ham croquettes, potato salad, and dinner rolls
- Ham croquettes, roasted veggies, and coconut rice
- Ham croquettes, creamed spinach, and scalloped potatoes
- Ham croquettes, fruit salad, and honey-glazed carrots and parsnips
Take Your Ham Croquettes to New Heights
Ham croquettes make a fabulous appetizer or light entree, but the right sides can really take them to the next level. Hopefully these tasty pairing suggestions have inspired you! From classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes to unique ideas like fried green tomatoes, the possibilities are endless.
Use this list as a jumping-off point and get creative with seasonal ingredients and family favorites. With yummy sides that complement their flavor perfectly, your ham croquettes will be elevated from good to spectacular in no time. Let us know what sides you love to serve with yours! We’re always looking for delicious ham croquette pairing ideas.
How to Make Potato Croquettes
You should already have some leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe, but the rest of the ingredients are very easy to find. It’s also very versatile so you can get creative with the ingredients.
- Mashed potatoes: Personally, I like my mashed potatoes to be pretty thick and lumpy, which is great for these potato croquettes. You won’t need to add any extra cheese if you use my Cheesy Mashed Potatoes instead. If you need mashed potatoes quickly, get some from the deli the next time you go shopping.
- Ham—You can use ham from your holiday meal, a ham steak from the meat department, or even thinly sliced deli ham. Chop it up into very small pieces.
- Cheese – Play around with your favorite cheese. Cheeses that go well with ham include cheddar and swiss, but parmesan and gruyere would also be great.
- Flour: The potato croquettes will stay together with this, but you won’t be able to taste it. You’ll need to add more flour if your potatoes are creamy or thin. Still having trouble? You can add an egg to help them stick together better.
- chives: These are fresh herbs that are added for color and taste. Green onions can be substituted.
- If you want to fry something, use an oil that doesn’t taste good and has a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. Fill the skillet about a quarter of an inch high. The oil shouldn’t cover the croquettes completely; it should just reach the sides of each one.
Potato Croquettes with Ham and Cheese
Last Christmas I served a honeybaked ham for our holiday feast. We had a lot of ham left over because I made a lot of tasty (but filling) side dishes, like Cheesy Potatoes, Corn Casserole, and One Hour Dinner Rolls. After a few meals of ham sandwiches, my kids were sick of them, so I was determined to find something else they would eat.
I surveyed my fridge and pulled out the leftover mashed potatoes, ham, cheese and some fresh chives. Ham and Cheese Potato Croquettes for the win!.
Potato croquettes are a small plate appetizer or snack made from mashed potatoes. They can also be served as a main dish with a salad that tastes just like the one at Olive Garden. Cheese, a salty protein like ham or bacon, and a binder, in this case flour, are what make them what they are. Crêpes are rolled into thick disks and fried in oil until they are golden and crispy all over.
Ham Croquettes
FAQ
What do you serve with croquettes?
Are croquettes healthy?
Why do my croquettes fall apart?
Are croquettes good cold?