Description
Endives au Gratin is a classic French dish featuring tender endives wrapped in savory Black Forest ham, smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce, and topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting dish makes a perfect elegant side or light vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 endives, a mix of yellow and purple tipped, washed and dried
Meat
- 6 slices deli ham, preferably Black Forest
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Wrap Endives: Take each endive and wrap it tightly with one slice of Black Forest ham. Place the wrapped endives snugly in an 8-inch square baking dish, making sure they are touching but not stacked.
- Make Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute while constantly stirring. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, achieving a gravy-like consistency.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and black pepper into the béchamel sauce to enhance flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared white sauce over the ham-wrapped endives in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, cheesy gratin at its best.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute Black Forest ham with regular deli ham.
- Gruyere cheese adds a nutty richness; you can substitute with Emmental or Swiss cheese if unavailable.
- Ensure the béchamel sauce is thick enough to coat the spoon for the best texture.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ham and wrap endives with parchment paper or use a vegetarian slice alternative.
- Serve with fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
