Serrano Ham Wrapped Bananas with Gruyère
Bizarre but delicious — that’s the only way I can describe this one.
This dish is older than it looks. It actually traces back to a 1944 U.S. Navy cookbook, where ham-wrapped banana rolls showed up as a regular mess hall recipe. Sailors in the middle of World War II were eating this. I still can’t quite wrap my head around that.
I first came across the idea watching Iron Chef America’s Battle Gruyère Cheese — Marc Forgione versus Nicolas Cantrel, going head-to-head with Gruyère as the secret ingredient. I remember thinking, ham and banana together sounds like a strange combination. Would it actually work?
Curious enough to find out for myself, I gave it a try at home. I kept my version simple — Serrano ham, ripe bananas, a bit of sour cream, and Gruyère melted on top until golden. And I get it now. The salty ham, the sweetness of the banana, and the nutty richness of the melted cheese actually work together. It’s an easy appetizer, and honestly, a fun one to serve to guests who’ve never heard of it — the reaction is half the fun.
Cooking Guide
Start by getting your oven going at 400°F, so it’s ready by the time you’re done assembling.
Lay a slice of Serrano ham flat on your work surface. Cut a large peeled banana in half crosswise and set one half right on the ham, then roll the ham snugly around it — the natural saltiness of the ham does a lot of the work here, no seasoning needed. Repeat with the rest of the ham and banana halves until you have 4 rolls, and nestle them seam-side down into a small baking dish so they hold their shape.
Now spoon a light layer of sour cream over the rolls, just enough to coat them. Don’t worry about using it all — you’re aiming for coverage, not a thick layer.
Follow that with a generous handful of shredded Gruyère over each roll, again covering fully rather than piling on more than you need.
Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling at the edges — that’s your cue it’s ready. Pull it out, let it rest for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly, and serve warm.
That first bite is the whole reason to make this: salty ham, sweet soft banana, and rich melted cheese, all in one warm, slightly messy roll.
Serrano Ham Wrapped Bananas with Gruyère
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Lay a slice of Serrano ham flat on a work surface. Peel a banana and cut it in half crosswise. Place a banana half on top of the ham, then roll the ham around it. Repeat with the remaining ham and banana halves to make 4 rolls.4 slices Serrano ham, 2 large bananas
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a small baking dish.
- Spoon the light sour cream over the rolls, then top generously with the shredded Gruyère.4 oz light sour cream, 6 oz Gruyère cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
Notes
- You likely won’t use all the sour cream and cheese — that’s expected. Just make sure each roll is fully covered.
- If the ham unrolls before baking, a toothpick through the seam will hold it in place — remove before serving.
- Shredded Gruyère melts more evenly than sliced.
