Ham and cheese crepes with bechamel in the oven… Just thinking about it makes you drool, right? It’s like a hug in edible form. Today, I’ll guide you step by step to make this delicious and easy recipe, perfect for impressing your guests with minimal effort. And honestly, who doesn’t love crepes? If you want to be the king or queen of the kitchen, follow all the steps carefully and get ready for some ups and downs in the kitchen (but with delicious results).
Why this recipe is a hit
First of all, we have to say that crepes are a versatile dish. They can be sweet, savory, stuffed, or gratinated. But here, we’re talking about the epitome of comfort food: crepes filled with ham, cheese, and topped with homemade bechamel sauce. Easy to make, but so impressive to serve. A quick bake in the oven and boom, you turn your dinner into a feast worthy of the best bistros.
Ingredients for perfect ham and cheese crepes
Before you put on your apron, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Because there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing you’re missing an essential ingredient at the last minute.
For the crepe batter (about 8 crepes)
- 250g of flour
- 3 eggs
- 500ml of milk
- A pinch of salt
- 20g of melted butter
For the bechamel sauce
- 50g of butter
- 50g of flour
- 500ml of milk
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt, pepper
For the filling
- 8 slices of ham
- 150g of grated Gruyère cheese
- A bit of butter for the dish
With these ingredients, you can easily adjust the quantities if you want to make more (or if you have a really large family to feed).
Detailed preparation steps
1. Homemade crepe batter
Let’s start with the basics: crepes. If you have a grandmother’s recipe, you can follow it, but here’s a simplified and foolproof version.
- In a bowl, pour the flour and make a well.
- Add the eggs and salt. Mix gently with a whisk.
- Incorporate the milk gradually, while continuing to mix, to avoid lumps.
- Finally, add the melted butter. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Making the creamy bechamel sauce
While your crepe batter rests, let’s tackle the bechamel sauce. Because no, the one from a can doesn’t count.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the flour and stir well for 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Pour the milk gradually while stirring. The sauce will thicken as you go.
- Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until you get a nice creamy consistency.
3. Cooking the crepes
Once the batter has rested, it’s time to bring out your crepe pan.
- Heat the pan, add a bit of butter or oil, and pour a ladle of batter.
- Cook each crepe for about 2 minutes on each side. They should be lightly golden.
4. Assembling and baking the crepes in the oven
Now that your crepes and bechamel are ready, let’s move on to the assembly. This is where the magic happens.
- Take a crepe, spread a spoonful of bechamel, then add a slice of ham and a handful of grated cheese.
- Roll up the crepe and place it in a buttered baking dish.
- Repeat with all the crepes.
- Pour the remaining bechamel over everything, sprinkle with grated cheese for a gratin effect.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
A few tips to vary your recipe
What’s great about ham and cheese crepes is that you can easily adapt it to your tastes or what you have in your fridge. Here are some ideas:
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a more forest-like version.
- Swap the ham for smoked salmon for a more refined version.
- For an even more indulgent touch, why not try Reblochon or Comté cheese instead of Gruyère?
And if you really want to impress your guests, you can also add some grated truffle or truffle oil to the bechamel.
Frequently asked questions you probably have
Even though the recipe seems simple, you may still have a few questions before getting started. Here are the answers to the most common queries:
- Can I make the crepes ahead and assemble them later? Yes! You can make the crepes a few hours in advance, or even the day before. Just store them in a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Is homemade bechamel sauce really necessary? Honestly, yes. Homemade bechamel brings an unparalleled texture and taste compared to store-bought.
- Can I freeze the filled crepes? Absolutely! Assemble your crepes, place them in a dish, wrap well, and freeze. You can reheat them in the oven without thawing first.
Why not try other equally appetizing recipes?
Now that you’ve mastered the ham and cheese crepes with bechamel in the oven recipe, why not explore other comforting dishes? Bring that dose of happiness into your kitchen with equally delicious recipes: gratins, quiches, or even revamped lasagnas. I promise, your dinners will never be the same.
And if this article made you hungry, share it with your friends or explore other meal ideas on our culinary guides. After all, good moments are even better when shared!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
