Save to Pinterest An irresistibly creamy and golden-baked French gratin combining tender ham, nutty Gruyère cheese, and silky béchamel sauce&mdashcomfort food at its finest, all for under 12&euro.
This gratin quickly became a family favorite for cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 200 g (7 oz) quality cooked ham thickly sliced
- Dairy: 80 g (2.8 oz) Gruyère cheese grated
- Dairy: 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese grated
- Dairy: 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
- Dairy: 40 g (1.4 oz) unsalted butter
- Dairy: 40 g (1.4 oz) all-purpose flour
- Bread: 4 thick slices of rustic white bread or pain de mie crusts removed
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Seasonings: 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Seasonings: Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the béchamel:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5&ndash7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Layer bread:
- Lay the bread slices in a single layer at the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish.
- Add ham:
- Arrange ham slices evenly over the bread.
- Pour sauce:
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the ham and bread, spreading it to cover everything.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20&ndash25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish brings smiles and great memories around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan whisk baking dish approx 22x22 cm or 9x9 inches cheese grater oven
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten) Pork (ham) May contain Eggs (if using enriched bread) Always check labels for hidden allergens if using pre-packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 23 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This Parisian gratin is perfect for comforting meals and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyère is ideal for its nutty flavor and melting quality, but Comté or Emmental make excellent substitutes.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Swap the ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach to maintain the hearty texture and rich flavor.
- → What is the purpose of the béchamel sauce?
The béchamel adds a creamy, smooth layer that binds the ingredients and creates a velvety texture when baked.
- → Can different types of bread be used?
Rustic white bread or pain de mie with crusts removed work best for absorbing the sauce without becoming soggy.
- → How do I achieve the perfect golden top?
Baking at 200°C for 20–25 minutes allows the cheese to melt and brown evenly, producing a bubbling golden crust.
- → Are there recommended pairings for this gratin?
A fresh green salad and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complement the rich flavors beautifully.