Soft, light, and generously filled, this savory zucchini, ham, and cheese clafoutis is an easy dish that’s perfect for a comforting homemade meal.
It combines tender zucchini with savory ham, melted cheese, and a light egg-based batter. The result is a golden, satisfying dish that can be served for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed weekend meal.
It’s also a practical way to use seasonal zucchini and turn a few simple ingredients into a dish the whole family can enjoy.
Recipe Information
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Category: Main Course
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 200 g sliced ham
- 150 g grated cheese, such as Emmental, Comté, or Gruyère
- 100 g mozzarella, cut into small pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 100 ml sour cream
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A little butter for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Savory Zucchini Clafoutis
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Generously grease a round baking dish measuring approximately 24–26 cm (9–10 inches) in diameter.
Wash the zucchini and cut them into small cubes or thin half-moon slices.
Cut the ham and mozzarella into small, evenly sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Clafoutis Batter
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl.
Whisk them thoroughly with the milk and sour cream until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the flour while continuing to whisk. Adding the flour slowly helps prevent lumps from forming.
Add the finely chopped garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Add the Filling
Add the zucchini, chopped ham, mozzarella, and half of the grated cheese to the egg mixture.
Gently fold everything together with a spatula, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Clafoutis
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the zucchini, ham, and cheese evenly across the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top. This will melt during baking and create a delicious golden crust.
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–40 minutes.
The clafoutis should puff slightly and become golden on top.
To check whether it is ready, insert the tip of a knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with the center feeling set.
6. Let It Rest Before Serving
Remove the clafoutis from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10 minutes.
This short resting period allows the filling to firm up slightly, making the dish easier to slice and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
Reduce Excess Moisture
Zucchini naturally contains a lot of water. If your zucchini is particularly watery, lightly sauté it in a pan with a small amount of olive oil for a few minutes before adding it to the batter.
Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
This simple step can help prevent the finished clafoutis from becoming too watery.
Choose a Flavorful Cheese
Emmental, Comté, and Gruyère all work well in this recipe.
For a milder flavor, mozzarella can be used as the main cheese. For a stronger and more pronounced taste, Gruyère or Comté are excellent choices.
Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on the clafoutis toward the end of the cooking time. It should be golden and set but still tender inside.
Overbaking can make the egg mixture dry.
Easy Variations
Bacon Version
For a richer and more smoky flavor, replace some or all of the ham with cooked smoked bacon.
Cook the bacon first and drain any excess fat before adding it to the mixture.
Goat Cheese Version
Replace the mozzarella with small pieces of soft goat cheese. The tangy flavor pairs particularly well with zucchini.
Vegetarian Version
Simply leave out the ham and add your favorite vegetables.
Good options include:
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Baby spinach
- Mushrooms
- Roasted zucchini
- Fresh herbs
Herb Variation
You can also experiment with other fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or chives depending on the flavors you enjoy.
What to Serve With Zucchini Clafoutis
This savory clafoutis is filling enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs nicely with a simple side.
Try serving it with:
- A fresh green salad
- Tomato and cucumber salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh bread
For a lighter meal, a crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy clafoutis.
Can You Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes. The clafoutis can be prepared in advance and refrigerated once cooled.
To serve, gently reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
It can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making it a convenient option for a casual lunch or picnic-style meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh zucchini is preferable because frozen zucchini contains more water. If using frozen zucchini, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe without ham?
Absolutely. Simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables, mushrooms, spinach, or another ingredient you enjoy.
Can I use a different baking dish?
Yes. You can use another oven-safe baking dish, but remember that the depth of the dish affects the cooking time. A deeper dish may require additional baking time.
How do I know when it is done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should no longer look liquid. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Final Thoughts
This savory zucchini, ham, and cheese clafoutis is a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into a satisfying homemade meal.
The tender zucchini, savory ham, creamy egg batter, and melted cheese create a comforting combination that works well for both family dinners and relaxed weekend meals.
Whether you follow the original recipe or try one of the variations, this versatile clafoutis is an easy dish worth adding to your recipe collection.