Italian Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 🍝🧀
Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com! Dive into the comfort of classic macaroni and cheese with a delightful Italian twist. This Italian Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness you love with the savory flavors of smoked ham, making it a one-dish meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
🕒 Time Breakdown
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 45 mins |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
🍽 Servings
This recipe yields 10 servings, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Each serving contains approximately 282.9 calories.
🍲 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delectable dish to life:
- 2 cups water 💧
- 6 chicken bouillon cubes 🥣
- 8 ounces macaroni 🍝
- 10 ounces smoked ham, cut into small strips 🍖
- 3 eggs 🥚
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half 🥛
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 teaspoon black pepper 🌶
- 1 1/2 cups cheese, shredded (your choice: mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend) 🧀
- 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
🥘 Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Italian Macaroni and Cheese masterpiece:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish and set it aside.
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Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken bouillon cubes, allowing them to dissolve completely. Stir in the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
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Layer the Ingredients: Place a layer of the cooked macaroni at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This forms the base of your dish.
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Add Ham and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle some of the smoked ham strips over the macaroni layer. Then, sprinkle some of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process until all the macaroni, ham, and shredded cheese are used, ensuring the top layer is cheese.
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Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will bind everything together and add creaminess to your dish.
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Pour and Top: Pour the egg mixture over the layered macaroni, ham, and cheese in the casserole dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the dish is set. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian Macaroni and Cheese!
🌟 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 282.9 kcal
- Fat: 14.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3 g
- Cholesterol: 109.3 mg
- Sodium: 1187 mg
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Macaroni and Cheese
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses for a more complex flavor. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, while cheddar brings a sharper taste.
- Ham Substitutes: If you prefer, substitute the smoked ham with bacon or pancetta for a different twist.
- Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream to the egg mixture.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or freshly chopped parsley before baking.
🌿 Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the egg mixture for a spicy variation.
- Gourmet Touch: Incorporate gourmet cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for an upscale twist.
Enjoy this Italian Macaroni and Cheese as a comforting main dish or a hearty side. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection! Don’t forget to share your creations with us at lovewithrecipes.com and tag us on social media with #LoveWithRecipes. Happy cooking! 🍽️🍷
