Endives And Ham Au Gratin
A rich, savory gratin featuring tender endives wrapped in ham and topped with melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the endives in cold water and drain.
- Butter a heavy skillet that can fit all endives in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the skillet with a little salt and arrange the endives in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the endives with salt and freshly ground pepper, then squeeze lemon juice over them.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the skillet.
- Cover tightly and cook for 30 minutes, ensuring the liquid does not boil away.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the slices of cooked ham on a flat surface.
- Place one braised endive on each ham slice.
- Roll the ham slices around the endives to enclose them.
- Secure each roll with a toothpick.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet while cooking the endives. If Gruyère cheese isn't available, Emmental or a sharp cheddar can be good substitutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed, especially with the nutmeg and cayenne, to suit your taste. Remember to watch the endives closely to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the endives and ham au gratin with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Southern Red Rice for a heartier side. For an elegant touch, consider drizzling a little balsamic reduction over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover endives and ham au gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Endives And Ham Au Gratin contains roughly 1397 calories, with 73g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (146% of the Daily Value), calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1815mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Assemble the ham rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply bake at 425°F (220°C) until heated through and golden on top.
What can I use if I don't have endives?
If endives are unavailable, you can use blanched cabbage leaves or even asparagus as a substitute. Both will provide a different flavor but will still work well with the ham and cheese components of the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ham with grilled vegetables or a hearty mushroom filling. Use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the dish dairy-free while still achieving a creamy texture in the sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).