ham & asparagus crepes with cheese sauce

Recipe by
Francine Lizotte
Surrey South, BC

Not too heavy and loaded with flavor, this is a dish you can enjoy any time of the day!

yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For ham & asparagus crepes with cheese sauce

  • CRÊPE BATTER
  • 3/4 c
    whole milk
  • 2 lg
    free-range eggs, room temperature
  • 1 lg
    free-range egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1/2 c
    unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp
    unsalted butter, melted plus more to brush the skillet
  • 1/2 tsp
    ground Himalayan pink salt
  • FILLING
  • 1 Tbsp
    butter
  • 1 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1/2 c
    finely chopped white onions
  • 1/4 c
    finely chopped red peppers
  • ground Himalayan pink salt, to taste
  • 2 lg
    cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 1/2 c
    diced smoked ham
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 1 tsp
    hot paprika, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 c
    Swiss cheese, grated
  • 18 lg
    asparagus spears, blanched
  • CHEESE SAUCE
  • 4 Tbsp
    unsalted butter
  • 1/4 c
    unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 c
    warmed milk
  • 2 Tbsp
    Dijon mustard
  • 1 c
    grated Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 Tbsp
    chopped chives, for garnish

How To Make ham & asparagus crepes with cheese sauce

  • 1
    To make the batter... Combine all the ingredients in the jar of a blender and process until the mixture is smooth with no lumps in it, cleaning the sides of the jar when needed.
  • 2
    Transfer to a bowl and let the batter sit for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the bubbles to settle – this can be made a day ahead.
  • 3
    To make the crêpes... In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, brush on some butter at the bottom of the pan.
  • 4
    When it gets warm, add about ¼ cup of batter and swirl the pan around so it evenly covers the bottom.
  • 5
    Cook until golden, about 1:30 to 2 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the crêpe over and cook until brown as well.
  • 6
    Transfer to a plate and place a piece of wax paper on top to prevent it from drying out. Brush more butter in the pan and continue making crêpes until the batter is gone.
  • 7
    To make the filling... Preheat oven to 400ºF and grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray; set aside
  • 8
    In a skillet over medium heat, add butter and oil. When melted and starts sizzling, add onions and red peppers; season with salt. Sauté them for 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • 9
    Transfer the sautéed veggies to a large bowl. Add smoked ham and cheese; season with pepper and hot paprika. Stir well and set aside.
  • 10
    Working with one at a time, spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of ham mixture into the center of a crêpe and place 3 blanched asparagus on top making sure the spears are sticking out a little.
  • 11
    Fold each side of the crêpe over the filling and place the stuffed crêpe, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish; continue with the others.
  • 12
    When all 6 crêpes are stuffed, transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Meanwhile make the sauce.
  • 13
    To make the cheese sauce... In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter and when melted, add flour. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • 14
    Pour in warmed milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  • 15
    Stir in Dijon mustard. Add cheese in batches, mixing well between each addition.
  • 16
    To assemble... Carefully transfer baked crêpes to warm serving plates, spoon sauce over and garnish with chopped chives. Makes 6.
  • 17
    To view this delightful French recipe on YouTube, click on this link ➡ https://youtu.be/W7JPNHTyDds

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