Ham Broccoli Luncheon
A savory ham and broccoli roulade with a tangy horseradish sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion, blending creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 rectangular slices ham ⓘ
- 2 slices Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 package frozen broccoli spears ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons horseradish
- 1 to 2 teaspoons mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg yolk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam broccoli until tender, avoiding color change.
- Lay 2 slices of ham per person on a baking dish, then place 1 slice of Swiss cheese on top of each.
- Arrange 2 broccoli spears (flowerets facing outward) in the middle of each ham slice; set aside.
- In a shallow pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the flour, salt, horseradish, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and grated onion to form a sauce mixture.
- In a bowl, whip the egg yolk and pineapple juice together.
- Slowly add the bowl mixture to the pan mixture over very low heat, stirring constantly.
- Add milk to the mixture and cook on low until thickened.
- Pour a small amount of sauce over the broccoli, then roll up each ham slice with broccoli inside and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake the rolls in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Reheat the remaining sauce gently and serve over rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a cheese sauce instead of the flour mixture. If you're out of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella are great substitutes. Ensure that the broccoli is steamed just until tender to maintain its vibrant color and crispness. For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. This recipe can also be adjusted for leftovers by incorporating additional ingredients like diced tomatoes or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
These ham broccoli rolls are delicious served with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad. A light vinaigrette pairs well, balancing the richness of the ham and cheese. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside classic American recipes like Tater Skins or Ham Barbecue Sandwiches. Drizzle the reheated sauce over the rolls just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Broccoli Luncheon contains roughly 1014 calories, with 33g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used for a brighter flavor and texture. Just steam it until tender before adding it to the ham rolls. Keep in mind that fresh broccoli may require a shorter cooking time compared to frozen, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of horseradish?
If you don't have horseradish, consider using a bit of prepared mustard or a dash of hot sauce for a similar kick. You could also leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste as needed.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Simply assemble the ham rolls and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).