To make the croquettes, peel and cut the potatoes into cubes. Boil in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain the water, mash them and allow them to cool completely. If you use leftover mash, just add it to a large bowl and add the ham, cheeses, salt and pepper and spring onion chopped finely.
These great-tasting croquettes are crispy on the outside and full of warm cheesy mashed potato mixed with ham on the inside - simple and delicious! Heat the oven to 200°C, 180°C, Fan, Gas Mark 6.
Add mashed potatoes, ham, cheese, garlic powder, chives and ½ cup flour to a large bowl. Stir together with a wooden spoon until combined. Lightly flour your hands and divide the potato mixture into 16 small flat disks, about half an inch thick. TIP - use a cookie scoop to get perfectly even portions.
Heat the oven to 200°C, 180°C, Fan, Gas Mark 6. Melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Season well, add the nutmeg. Slowly whisk in the milk on a medium heat. Add the bay leaf, if used and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Mix in the cheese, potato and ham and stir well.