Gratin de pâtes au jambon – Baked Pasta with Ham and Cheese Recipe
This French pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce with pieces of ham is a classic quick family lunch dish. For French children it’s a bit like the equivalent of our noodles with cheese – simple, filling and very cheesy. The top of the bake is golden and slightly crispy, while inside there is soft pasta in sauce.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
- pasta short, e.g. fusilli, penne - 300 g
- cooked ham cut into strips or cubes - 150 g
- yellow cheese grated, well-melting - 180 g
- milk - 300 ml
- 30% cream - 100 ml
- butter - 30 g
- wheat flour - 2 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard optional, for the sauce - 1 teaspoon
- nutmeg grated, optional - 0.25 teaspoon
- salt for cooking the pasta and for the sauce
- black pepper to taste
Main Ingredient:
pasta
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water for 1–2 minutes less than stated on the package so it stays slightly firm; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, add the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes until a smooth paste forms and foams lightly but does not brown.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a thin custard.
- Add the cream, mustard, nutmeg, a pinch of salt and pepper, stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add about 2/3 of the grated cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and very cheesy; taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl, add the chopped ham and pour over the hot cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly but gently.
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 190°C for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese on top has melted and nicely browned.
- After removing from the oven, let the gratin stand for 5–10 minutes so it firms up slightly and is easier to cut and serve.
Storage
In fridge:
3 days
Freezing:
Yes
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the pasta seems too dry.
Recipe submitted by
Marek, Site owner
Published:
Updated:
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