Ham and Cheese Crêpes

Ham and Cheese Crêpes Recipe - Authentic French Cuisine

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Crêpes are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. These crepes are filled with thinly sliced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy sour cream mixture, then baked to perfection. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

The origins of the Ham and Cheese Crêpes recipe are a bit unclear, but crepes themselves have been enjoyed for centuries in various forms. The combination of ham and cheese is a classic pairing that is loved by many around the world. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional ham and cheese sandwich by wrapping it all up in a delicate crepe.

Ingredients

12 prepared crêpes
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices cooked, thinly sliced ham
2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 tsp prepared mustard
0.33 cup breadcrumbs
3 tbsp melted butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small bowl, combine the onion, salt, pepper, sour cream, and mustard. Mix well.
Spread about 1 tbsp of the mixture over the ham.
Place the ham on the crepes, top with cheese, and roll up. Arrange the rolled crepes in a 13x9 inch baking pan.
Combine the butter and bread crumbs, then sprinkle them over the crepes.
Loosely cover the pan with foil.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
Use Swiss or Gruyere cheese instead of cheddar for a different taste.
Substitute cooked bacon for the ham for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the ham to ensure that each bite is flavorful.

- Be sure to tightly roll up the crepes to prevent the filling from falling out during baking.

- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the crepes for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham and Cheese Crêpes with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the crepes in the oven ensures that the cheese melts and the filling is heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the crepes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked crepes with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Ham and Cheese Crêpes pair well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Crêpes contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Crêpes contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Crêpes contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Crêpes contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and Cheese Crêpes are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (crepes), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Crêpes are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Crêpes are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With a creamy filling and a crispy topping, these crepes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a rainy day in the small village where I grew up, and I was seeking shelter in the local library. As I was browsing through the cookbooks, a worn and tattered book caught my eye. The title read "French Cuisine" and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the beautiful photographs and detailed instructions. And then I saw it - the recipe for Ham and Cheese Crêpes. The image of the golden brown crêpes filled with savory ham and gooey cheese made my mouth water. I knew I had to try making them myself.

I quickly copied down the recipe, my hand shaking with excitement. I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking. As soon as I walked through the door, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work.

The first step was to make the crêpe batter. I mixed together flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until the batter was smooth and creamy. Then I let it rest for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the batter was resting, I prepared the filling. I diced up some ham and grated a generous amount of Swiss cheese. I also chopped up some fresh chives to add a pop of color and flavor to the crêpes.

Once the batter had rested, I heated up a non-stick skillet and poured in a ladleful of the batter. I swirled the pan around, making sure the batter coated the bottom evenly. After a few minutes, the edges of the crêpe started to curl up and I knew it was time to flip it.

I carefully flipped the crêpe over and sprinkled on some ham, cheese, and chives. I let the cheese melt slightly before folding the crêpe in half and sliding it onto a plate. I repeated the process until all the batter was used up and a stack of delicious Ham and Cheese Crêpes sat before me.

I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss - the crêpe was light and delicate, the ham was salty and savory, and the cheese was gooey and melty. It was a perfect combination of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I knew I had found a new favorite recipe. I made Ham and Cheese Crêpes for every special occasion - birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. Each time, they were met with oohs and aahs of delight.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I added a touch of Dijon mustard to the filling for a little kick, and sometimes I sprinkled on some fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

I also shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making Ham and Cheese Crêpes to the next generation. It became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together and created cherished memories.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that rainy day in the library, I am filled with gratitude for stumbling upon that recipe. It has brought me so much joy and has become a part of my culinary legacy.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal, look no further than Ham and Cheese Crêpes. I promise you won't be disappointed. Bon appétit!