Asparagus-Ham Roll-Ups
Submitted by Ashyumfood
Asparagus spears wrapped in ham slices and baked under a homemade cheddar cheese sauce with dry mustard. A retro-style ham and asparagus roll-up that makes a satisfying weeknight dinner in about 35 minutes.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
20 minREADY
35 minAsparagus wrapped in ham and smothered in cheese sauce is one of those retro recipes that keeps showing up at tables because it just works. Tender asparagus spears get bundled into ham slices, rolled up, and arranged seam-side down in a baking dish. A from-scratch cheddar sauce spiked with dry mustard gets poured over the top, and the whole thing bakes until bubbly and golden.
The cheese sauce is a basic roux: butter, flour, milk, stirred constantly until thick, then cheddar melted in. The dry mustard is what keeps it from tasting flat. That sharp, peppery bite cuts through the richness of the cheese and pairs naturally with the salty ham.
Cook the asparagus just until tender before rolling. Overcooked spears will turn mushy after another 20 minutes in the oven. You want them to still have a slight snap when they go into the ham.
Kitchen Tips
- Place roll-ups seam-side down so they don’t unravel during baking.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly while it thickens. Walk away for 30 seconds and you’ll have lumps.
- Fresh asparagus in season is a major upgrade over frozen. Trim the woody ends and blanch briefly.
- This microwaves beautifully for leftovers. Cover and heat on medium to avoid rubbery cheese.
Variations
- Use Swiss or Gruyere cheese in the sauce for a more French-leaning flavor.
- Wrap the asparagus in prosciutto instead of ham for a thinner, saltier, more elegant version.
- Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs over the sauce before baking for a crispy gratin topping.
Ingredients
Directions
Cook asparagus until just tender.
Melt fat in heavy saucepan.
Stir in flour, salt and mustard.
Gradually stir in milk.
Cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted.
Divide asparagus into 6 portions.
Place asparagus portions on and parallel to narrow end of each ham slice.
Roll as for jelly roll with asparagus in the center of each roll-up.
Arrange roll-ups in a baking dish with seam side down.
Pour sauce over roll-ups.
Bake at 350℉ (180℃) until sauce is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Note: I always use fresh asparagus in season.
And, I use the microwave to cook the asparagus and heat the roll-ups.
Cook the prepared roll-ups on medium for 7 to 10 minutes.
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