Icelandic Asparagus Ham Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Icelandic Asparagus Ham Bake, a creamy and indulgent casserole that's perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings. Fresh, tender-crisp asparagus and savory diced ham come together in a rich homemade béchamel sauce, delicately seasoned with nutmeg for a hint of warmth. Topped with melted Gruyère or Gouda cheese and a golden panko breadcrumb crust, this dish is baked to perfection, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for showcasing seasonal asparagus and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes. Whether for a family dinner or a festive occasion, this hearty asparagus casserole promises to be a crowd favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh asparagus
• 250 grams cooked ham (diced)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 150 grams grated Gruyère or Gouda cheese
• 50 grams panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoons olive oil (for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces.

Step 3

Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, making sure to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, diced ham, and béchamel sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Top the mixture with grated cheese, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top of the cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or dill.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1563.9 grams (1563.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2163

Total Fat 133.40g	171%
Saturated Fat 69.20g	346%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 452mg	151%
Sodium 7430mg	323%
Total Carbohydrate 110.90g	40%
Dietary Fiber 13.50g	48%
Total Sugars 39.50g
Protein 131.90g	264%

Vitamin D 245IU	1225%
Calcium 2143mg	165%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 2611mg	56%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 20.4%