Ham and Chicory Gratin
AI-generated image
French

Ham and Chicory Gratin

Tender Belgian endives wrapped in savory ham and covered with a silky Gruyère béchamel, then baked until bubbling and deeply golden. This classic French casserole balances gentle bitterness, creamy sauce, and crisp browned cheese.

75 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 200°C and butter a shallow baking dish with 15 g of the butter. Set aside the remaining 30 g for the béchamel. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
2
Add the endives to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes, until just tender but still holding their shape. Drain well, then let them steam-dry for 5 minutes and gently press out excess moisture.
3
Melt the remaining 30 g butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until smooth and lightly foamy.
4
Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, whisking often, until the béchamel is thick enough to coat a spoon. Season with the salt, nutmeg, and black pepper.
5
Wrap each drained endive in a slice of ham and arrange the bundles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the béchamel evenly over them and scatter the grated Gruyère on top.
Ham-wrapped endives covered with béchamel and Gruyère AI-generated image
6
Bake the assembled gratin for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is deeply golden; the cooked ham will simply heat through. Rest for 10 minutes so the sauce settles, then serve hot.
Golden Ham and Chicory Gratin fresh from the oven AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Briefly cooking the endives softens their bitterness and removes excess moisture before they are wrapped in ham. A nutmeg-scented béchamel binds the dish, while Gruyère adds savory depth and a crisp, bubbling crust.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Cool within 2 hours of cooking.

How to reheat it

Reheat covered at 175°C until hot throughout, about 20 minutes, then uncover briefly to restore the browned top. Ensure the center reaches 74°C.

Nutrition / serving

444kcal
29.45 gprotein
22.02 gcarbs
27.05 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 15 Aug 2026 · updated 15 Aug 2026