Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham
Elevate your next meal with the comforting flavors of Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham, a classic dish that combines creamy decadence with savory simplicity. Perfectly tender chicory (witlof) is gently simmered and wrapped in thin slices of ham, then blanketed with a luscious homemade Gruyere cheese sauce enriched with nutmeg for a subtle hint of warmth. Baked to golden, bubbling perfection, this dish is a delicious blend of textures—soft, creamy interiors with a cheesy, crisp topping. Ideal as an elegant main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe is both simple to prepare and rich in flavor, making it a showstopper for any dinner table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 heads chicory (witlof)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 4 slices ham slices
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Trim the outer leaves and cut off the base of the chicory heads to remove any tough ends.
In a large pot, bring the water, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice to a boil. Add the chicory heads and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
While the chicory is cooling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux (paste).
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Wrap each cooled chicory head in a slice of ham and place them in a greased baking dish, seam-side down.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the wrapped chicory heads. Sprinkle extra grated Gruyere on top, if desired, for added cheesiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
437 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.7 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1581 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.0 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 620 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 646 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
