Cheesy Belgian Endive & Ham Bake
Elevate your dining experience with this decadent Cheesy Belgian Endive & Ham Bake, a classic dish inspired by Dutch traditions. This indulgent casserole features tender Belgian endives wrapped in savory black forest ham, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for special occasions or family gatherings, this recipe showcases the subtle bitterness of endive balanced with the richness of melted cheese. Simple yet sophisticated, it's sure to become a favorite in your household and impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Belgian endive
12 heads (trimmed)
black forest ham
12 slices (sliced)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
cheddar cheese or gouda cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
salt
to taste (freshly ground)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Trim the base of each Belgian endive to remove any tough ends.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the endives and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
4
Once cool enough to handle, wrap each endive with a slice of black forest ham and arrange them neatly in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
5
For the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute until it turns slightly golden.
6
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Lower the heat and keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Stir in the grated cheddar or gouda cheese until fully incorporated, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick.
8
Pour the cheese sauce over the ham-wrapped endives, ensuring they are well covered.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, with a light golden brown top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Belgian Endive & Ham Bake?
It is a decadent, Dutch-inspired casserole featuring tender Belgian endives wrapped in savory black forest ham and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce.
How many Belgian endives do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 heads of Belgian endive.
What type of ham is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of black forest ham.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I boil the endives?
Boil the endives in salted water for 10-12 minutes until tender but slightly crisp.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 9x13-inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Which cheeses are best for the sauce?
You can use either 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese or gouda cheese.
How do I prepare the endives before cooking?
Trim the base of each Belgian endive to remove any tough ends.
How do I make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter, then whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of whole or 2% milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes until it is hot, bubbling, and has a light golden brown top.
Is this dish spicy?
It features a gentle kick from a pinch of cayenne pepper, but it is not considered very spicy.
Can I use different seasonings?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, ensure the 9x13-inch casserole dish is greased before arranging the endives.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, belgian endive, ham, cheese sauce, vegetable dish, special occasion, comfort food, and family recipe.
How should the endives be arranged in the dish?
Wrap each boiled and cooled endive with a slice of ham and arrange them neatly in the dish.
Should the endives be fully cooled before wrapping?
They should be cool enough to handle safely after draining.
What is the texture of the cheese sauce?
The sauce is creamy and thick, achieved by combining a roux with milk and melted cheese.
What type of flour is used?
All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
Can I use salt in the boiling water?
Yes, the endives should be cooked in a large pot of salted water.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
A single pinch of cayenne pepper is recommended for a gentle kick.
What is the total number of ham slices needed?
You will need 12 slices of ham, one for each endive.
What makes this recipe special?
It balances the subtle bitterness of endive with the richness of a creamy cheese sauce.
Is this suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Should I serve this dish warm?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the bake warm and enjoy.
Can I substitute the black forest ham?
While black forest ham is specified, other savory sliced hams could be used as a substitute.