Ham And Asparagus Au Gratin
Ham and asparagus au gratin offers a creamy, cheesy dish with tender asparagus wrapped in ham, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wrap each ham slice around 4 asparagus spears and place, seam side down, in a greased 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Beat together eggs and yolks, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes or until the top begins to brown and a knife inserted in the egg mixture comes out clean.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey ham or a plant-based substitute. If fresh asparagus isn't available, frozen works well too; just ensure it's thawed and drained properly. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture. Pair with a simple side salad, like Sarah Salad, for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham And Asparagus Au Gratin warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs nicely with a light green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted potatoes or a Zucchini Vegetable Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until warmed through, but this may affect texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Asparagus Au Gratin contains roughly 1336 calories, with 23g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (157% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% 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 use a different type of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like marinated tofu for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check that your heavy cream and any additional toppings, like Parmesan cheese, are labeled gluten-free to ensure safety.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it directly from the fridge, ensuring that it is heated through completely.
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).