Crêpes with Ham and Béchamel
Why this recipe works
- Creamy, savoury filling: Béchamel binds the ham and crêpes together while Gruyère melts into the sauce for a smooth, cheesy finish.
- Quiet depth: Dijon mustard and nutmeg sharpen the richness without overpowering the delicate crêpes.
- Easy to serve: The folded crêpes bake together in one dish, making them practical for lunch, supper or a relaxed weekend meal.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- For smooth crêpes: Whisk the batter until fully lump-free and let it stand briefly before cooking so the flour hydrates.
- For silky béchamel: Add the milk gradually to the roux and whisk constantly at first to prevent lumps.
- Avoid dry edges: Bake just until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden; extended baking can make the crêpes tough at the edges.
Ingredient notes
- Choose good ham: Cured ham brings most of the savoury character, so use slices with a clean, not overly salty flavour.
- Cheese swaps: Emmental works well in place of Gruyère, but very sharp cheeses can dominate the béchamel.
- Balance the richness: Dijon gives the sauce a gentle lift; taste before baking and adjust the seasoning if the sauce tastes flat.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare in stages: The crêpes and béchamel can be made ahead, then assembled and baked when needed.
- Reheat gently: Reheat leftovers in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, adding a small splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Crêpes
Béchamel and filling
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Melt 20 g of the unsalted butter and set aside to cool slightly.
- Put 90 g plain flour in a mixing bowl and whisk in the eggs until smooth. Gradually whisk in 250 ml whole milk, then whisk in the melted butter to make a thin batter.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a smear of butter from the pan if needed. Cook 4 to 6 thin crêpes, using a small ladle of batter each time, for about 45 to 60 seconds per side until lightly golden; stack on a plate as you go.
- Make the béchamel: melt 25 g unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 25 g plain flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 300 ml whole milk until smooth, then simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard and ground nutmeg. Stir in half the Gruyère cheese until melted, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spread a spoonful of béchamel over each crêpe, add a layer of cured ham, then fold into quarters. Arrange the folded crêpes in a baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining béchamel over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until piping hot and lightly golden on top.
- Rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot. A green salad on the side is ideal.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- For the smoothest crêpes, whisk the batter until lump-free, then let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the pan and ingredients.
- Keep the béchamel at a gentle simmer and whisk often; if it thickens too much, whisk in a splash more whole milk to loosen.
- If serving anyone who is vulnerable to foodborne illness, make sure the crêpes are baked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Gruyère cheese with Emmental cheese for a milder, nuttier finish.
- Replace Dijon mustard with Bavarian sweet mustard for a gentler mustard note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 12 to 15 minutes until piping hot; add a small splash of whole milk over the top if the sauce has thickened.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 1h (35min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: French
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Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Mustard Wheat
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