Hespenrolletjes met witloof Pizza (Ham Rolls With Chicory Pizza)

In Belgium, there’s a traditional winter dish called “Hespenrolletjes met witloof”. It’s an indulgent, body and heart warming dish of cheesy baked ham and chicory that fills you up when you need it most–and the best part is, you don’t have to be in Belgium to enjoy it! Flavourful chicory and salty ham is layered in an oven dish, then slathered in creamy béchamel and Emmental sauce before being baked to perfection in the oven. 

The elements that make this dish so delicious—nutty Emmental cheese, savory ham and tender chicory—are reimagined in this recipe from Icelandic TV host Kristinn Guðmundsson (@kristinnsod). It’s also a love-letter to his second home, Belgium, where he was first introduced to Hespenrolletjes met witloof. 

Filmed at his parents’ cabin in Iceland, Kristinn endures freezing temperatures for this pizza, and the film is well worth a watch for an entertaining cook-along experience. While unconventional, this pizza is the perfect introduction to Belgian food, all from the comfort of your own home! And, as Kristinn suggests “Just crack open a good Trappist [or any beer, really] beer and enjoy.”

Hespenrolletjes met witloof Pizza (Ham Rolls With Chicory Pizza)

Note

This recipe would suit a variety of pizza styles, but we think classic pizza dough, sourdough, or neo-neapolitan would be a great fit. Make sure to prepare your dough ahead of time to ensure it rises at room temperature before firing up your oven.




chicory heads cooking in butter Adding cheese to roux Sprinkling toppings on pizza