Ficelle Picarde (Savory Ham & Mushroom Crêpes) 🧀🍄

 

Ficelle Picarde is a classic dish from the Picardy region of France, featuring delicate crêpes filled with ham, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms, then baked with a rich béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting, cheesy delight, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

🥞 Crêpes – 8 large crêpes

🍖 Ham – 200 g (7 oz), diced

🧀 Cheese (Gruyère or Emmental) – 200 g (7 oz), grated

🍄 Mushrooms (Paris mushrooms) – 200 g (7 oz), sliced

🥛 Milk – 500 ml (2 cups)

🧈 Butter – 50 g (3.5 tbsp)

🌾 Flour – 50 g (⅓ cup)

🧂 Salt – to taste

🌶️ Black pepper – to taste

🧄 Garlic – 1 clove, minced (optional)

🌿 Nutmeg – a pinch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Set aside.

2. Cook the Mushrooms

In a frying pan, heat a little butter or olive oil over medium heat.

Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic (if using), sautéing until golden and all the moisture has evaporated.

Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Crêpes

If you don’t have pre-made crêpes, make them by mixing flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt into a smooth batter.

Cook the crêpes in a non-stick pan until golden on both sides.

4. Fill the Crêpes

Lay each crêpe flat and add a portion of ham, grated cheese, and sautéed mushrooms.

Gently roll up each crêpe into a tight cylinder.

5. Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Place the rolled crêpes in a baking dish.

Pour the béchamel sauce generously over the crêpes.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

6. Bake

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve warm with a green salad for a balanced meal.

Extra Tips:

✔ Customize the filling – Add caramelized onions, spinach, or different cheeses for extra flavor.

✔ Make it ahead – Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

✔ Pair it with wine – A dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) complements the richness perfectly.