Foodie Friday- Virginia Ham and White Cheddar Croquettes

These are a fair bit of work, but very tasty! Found here.


Virginia Ham and White Cheddar Croquettes

INGREDIENTS
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 small onion, minced
¼ cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz. Virginia ham, finely chopped
4 oz. white cheddar, grated
¼ cup finely chopped chives
1 cup flour, plus more for dusting
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola oil, for frying


PREPARATION

1. Boil potatoes in a 4-qt. pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; set aside. Add 1 tbsp. butter to the pot, and melt over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add to potatoes along with remaining butter, cream, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth. Fold in ham, cheese, and chives; chill for 20 minutes.

2. Using flour-dusted hands, form 2 tbsp. chilled ham mixture into a 3"-long oval and flatten the ends; dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumbs. Repeat with remaining mixture, flour, eggs, and bread crumbs; transfer to a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.

3. Heat 2" oil in a 6-qt. saucepan to 375°. Working in batches, fry croquettes, turning as needed, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt.