Florentine-style baked ham

Florentine-style gratin ham is a delicious dish, perfect for a quick dinner or a special lunch. This simple recipe combines the rich flavors of ham with the creamy texture of cheese and the freshness of spinach, having an attractive appearance and a remarkable taste. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, so you achieve a perfect result every time.

Total time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g slices of ham (preferably homemade ham or prosciutto)
- 400 g fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 200 g mozzarella cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
- 50 g grated Parmesan
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs for a crispy crust (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold running water. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and drain the excess water. If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and let it cool slightly. This will help retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Step 2: Seasoning the spinach
In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic until golden. Add the blanched spinach and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder if you like a more intense flavor. Sauté the spinach for 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Assembling the dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Lay a uniform layer of ham slices on the bottom of the dish, covering the entire surface. On top of the ham, add the prepared spinach, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Adding the cheese
Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the spinach. If you want a crispier crust, you can add some breadcrumbs on top. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan for an intense flavor and a golden crust.

Step 5: Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will make you eagerly await serving time!

Step 6: Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the Florentine-style gratin ham warm, alongside a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast and a balanced meal. You can also add a few slices of lemon to enhance the flavors.

Possible variations:
If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with slices of eggplant or zucchini. Also, for an extra flavor boost, you can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the spinach mixture.

This Florentine-style gratin ham recipe is not only simple but also very versatile, and can be adapted to suit your tastes. By experimenting with different ingredients, you will discover surprising and delicious combinations!