Macaroni and Cheese with Ham – A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that holds a special place in the hearts of many. However, if you’re like me, sometimes it can be a bit underwhelming when it lacks that perfectly creamy and cheesy flavor. This recipe is my solution to that problem. With the addition of savory ham and a rich, cheesy sauce, this macaroni and cheese recipe not only satisfies the cheese lover in all of us but even impresses those picky eaters, like my younger daughter, who is usually loyal to the boxed version. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s rich in texture and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Cooked ham, diced | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Milk, whole or 2% | 3 cups |
| Dry mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/16 tsp |
| Macaroni (elbow or any small pasta) | 2 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 678.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 33.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 109.8 mg |
| Sodium | 776.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 59.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 34.5 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 medium chopped onion and 1 cup of diced cooked ham. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the ham is lightly browned.
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Make the Roux:
Once the onion and ham are cooked, add 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour to the pan. Stir it constantly to ensure it combines well with the butter, cooking for another 2 minutes. The goal here is to create a roux that will help thicken the sauce. -
Add the Milk:
Gradually add 3 cups of milk to the roux while whisking constantly. This step helps avoid any lumps in the sauce. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take around 5 minutes. Once it’s thickened, reduce the heat to low. -
Season the Sauce:
Stir in 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/16 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated into the sauce. The mustard and cayenne pepper add a subtle depth and slight kick to the cheese sauce, making it much more flavorful. -
Melt the Cheese:
Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. This creates the perfect cheesy sauce that will coat every piece of macaroni. -
Cook the Macaroni:
While you’re making the cheese sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 1/2 cups of macaroni (or any small pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Make sure every piece of macaroni is enveloped in that luscious, creamy sauce. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. This mixture will give the dish a nice crispy topping once baked. -
Assemble and Broil:
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 2-liter baking dish or casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture evenly over the top. -
Broil to Perfection:
Place the dish under the broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can cook quickly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the topping is perfectly crisped, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to set before serving. Serve hot, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with the added bonus of savory ham and a crispy topping.
Tips and Variations
- For Extra Creaminess: If you prefer an even richer mac and cheese, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or half-and-half instead of some of the milk. This will make the sauce even creamier and more indulgent.
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, try adding steamed broccoli or peas to the macaroni before baking. It’s a great way to make this dish a bit more nutritious while still keeping it delicious.
- Different Cheese Options: For a more complex flavor, mix in some mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss cheese along with the cheddar. These cheeses will melt beautifully and add depth to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Macaroni and Cheese with Ham offers everything you love about the classic comfort dish but with added flavor and richness. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with the smoky ham and crispy topping, creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make this your new favorite go-to macaroni and cheese recipe. Plus, it’s so easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner that can feed the whole family, and leftovers, if there are any, make a great lunch the next day.
