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Peach, Ham, and Gruyère Crêpes: A Savory Summer Delight

Indulge in the exquisite blend of sweet and savory with these Peach, Ham, and Gruyère Crêpes, the perfect way to savor the last succulent peaches of summer. This elegant French-inspired dish offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, ideal for any meal from brunch to a light dinner.

Embracing the Flavors of Late Summer

As the days begin to subtly hint at the approach of autumn, there’s an undeniable urge to cling to the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of summer. For many, this means making the most of the season’s bounty, and few fruits capture the essence of summer quite like a perfectly ripe peach. Their juicy sweetness and delicate fragrance are simply irresistible, making them a star ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Today, we’re celebrating these glorious late-summer peaches by incorporating them into a truly special meal: Peach, Ham, and Gruyère Crêpes.

This dish is a testament to the versatility of crêpes and the magic of combining unexpected flavors. While crêpes are often associated with sweet fillings, their thin, tender texture makes them an ideal canvas for savory creations. The elegance of French cuisine meets comforting seasonal ingredients in a way that feels both gourmet and incredibly approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these crêpes promise to elevate your mealtime into a memorable occasion.

A Culinary Journey Through Memory and Flavor

Crêpes hold a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories of family meals and celebratory occasions. Growing up, they were a frequent and much-loved presence at our dinner table, a tradition I fondly remember. In fact, my birthday dinner request was almost always a stack of delicate crêpes, eagerly anticipating the delightful fillings my mother would prepare. There’s something inherently comforting and festive about them, a simple dish that feels incredibly luxurious.

This particular combination was inspired by the overflowing baskets of peaches at local farmer’s markets and stands. Seeing their vibrant colors and inhaling their sweet aroma, my thoughts immediately turned to creating a dish that would perfectly highlight their natural splendor. I envisioned light, tender crêpes generously filled with these succulent peaches, complemented by the savory depth of my favorite nutty Gruyère cheese and the smoky richness of Black Forest ham. The goal was to strike a beautiful balance, a harmonious interplay between the sweet and the savory that would tantalize the taste buds.

To achieve this equilibrium, I made a conscious choice to incorporate fresh thyme into the crêpe batter and sprinkle it over the filling. The earthy, slightly peppery notes of thyme provide a wonderful counterpoint to the peaches’ sweetness. Furthermore, a hint of stone-ground mustard in the batter adds a subtle tang and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the star ingredients. Served with a crisp side salad and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, this meal truly felt like a dream – a perfect culinary escape that I wished I could share with all of you.

The Art of Making Perfect Crêpes: Tips and Tricks

Creating thin, delicate crêpes might seem daunting at first, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be flipping them like a pro in no time. The key to excellent crêpes lies in the batter and the pan technique. First, ensure your batter is smooth and free of lumps. A blender is your best friend here, creating a silky consistency that cooks beautifully. Once blended, it’s crucial to let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes, or even up to an hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender and pliable crêpe.

When it comes to cooking, a well-seasoned crêpe pan or a small non-stick skillet is essential. Heat your pan over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking. A quick spray of non-stick cooking spray between each crêpe helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. The pour-and-swirl method is critical: pour a measured amount of batter into the center of the pan, then immediately tilt and rotate the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly across the entire surface. This swift action ensures a perfectly round and uniformly thin crêpe.

Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the surface appears set. The first crêpe is often a “tester,” so don’t fret if it’s not perfect. With each subsequent crêpe, you’ll gain confidence and master the technique. Stack the finished crêpes on a plate to keep them warm while you prepare the rest. These delicate pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for entertaining or quick weeknight meals.

Why This Flavor Combination Works

The Peach, Ham, and Gruyère Crêpes are a symphony of flavors and textures, meticulously balanced to create an unforgettable dish. Let’s break down the elements that make this combination so irresistible:

Sweet Peaches: The star of the show, ripe peaches bring a natural sweetness and a burst of juicy freshness. Their slightly tart undertones prevent the dish from being overly sweet, providing a delightful contrast to the savory components.
Savory Black Forest Ham: Thinly sliced Black Forest ham introduces a smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Its rich umami quality perfectly complements the fruit, creating a classic sweet-and-savory dynamic that is incredibly satisfying.
Nutty Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is a semi-hard Swiss cheese known for its distinct nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy, rich texture and a subtle complexity that binds all the ingredients together. Its robust character stands up well to both the ham and the peaches.
Fresh Thyme and Stone Ground Mustard: These additions are not mere afterthoughts; they are crucial for balancing the dish. Fresh thyme provides an aromatic, herbaceous note that brightens the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication. The stone ground mustard in the batter offers a mild, tangy kick, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ham and preventing the dish from becoming one-dimensional.

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that is both comforting and gourmet, familiar yet exciting. It’s a dish that celebrates the bounty of the season while offering a sophisticated twist on traditional crêpe recipes.

Peach, Ham and Gruyère Crêpes Recipe

Enjoy these delightful savory crêpes for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. They’re perfect for showcasing those beautiful late-season peaches!

Peach, Ham and Gruyère Crêpes

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 10 crêpes

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These Peach, Ham and Gruyère Crêpes are perfect for those end of the season summer peaches!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

Crepe Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 Tbsp. melted butter
2 tsp. stone ground mustard
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Filling

20 slices Black Forest ham, thinly sliced
2 cups Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated
4 peaches, halved, pitted and thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Combine flour, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, mustard, milk, salt, and pepper in a blender. Cover and blend until very smooth. The batter should have the consistency of heavy cream. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Heat an 8-inch crêpe pan or small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray the pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Using a 1/3 cup scoop, pour batter into the center of the crêpe pan. Tilt and turn the pan so the batter spreads evenly across the bottom.
Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until the edges and bottom begin to brown. Carefully flip the crêpe with a spatula. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, spraying the pan with non-stick cooking spray between each crêpe and stacking finished crêpes on the plate. Keep warm.
Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Lightly brush a large rimmed baking sheet with butter.
Place one crêpe on a flat work surface. Arrange two slices of ham on half of the crêpe, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with some shredded Gruyère and about three peach slices. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Fold over the other half of the crêpe to cover the filling, then fold in half again to form a triangle. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining crêpes.
Bake for 5 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Serve immediately, drizzled with honey if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrition

Keyword: crepes, ham, peach, gruyere, savory, summer

Cuisine: French

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Main Dish

Share Your Culinary Creations!

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your delicious creations come to life! If you try this recipe for Peach, Ham, and Gruyère Crêpes, we would absolutely love to see your photos. Before you take that first bite, snap a picture and share it with us!

Be sure to follow @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag your posts. You can also use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen so we can admire your beautiful work. Happy cooking and enjoy every savory, peachy bite!