Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the exquisite taste of this unconventional yet utterly satisfying macaroni and cheese recipe inspired by the Federalist at the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Bursting with flavors, this dish combines creamy cheese sauce, succulent ham, and aromatic herbs for the ultimate comfort food experience. With a prep time of 55 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this recipe serves 6 hungry souls, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Head of garlic |
| 1 1/2 | Tablespoons olive oil |
| 2 | Shallots |
| 2 | Sprigs of fresh thyme |
| 2 | Lemon, peel of |
| 2 cups | Extra-sharp cheddar cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/8 tsp | Salt and pepper, to taste |
| 8 oz | Ham |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh parsley |
| 1 | Quart milk |
| 1 | Cup cream |
| 1 | Pound macaroni pasta |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Garlic: Trim off the top 1/4 inch of the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Roast Garlic: Place the garlic head, cut side up, on a sheet of foil. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil and bake until the skin is golden brown and the cloves are tender, approximately 55 minutes.
- Cool and Squeeze: Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool before squeezing the cloves from the skin. Set aside.
- Saute Shallots: In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until tender, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk in the milk, cream, thyme sprigs, lemon peel, and roasted garlic cloves. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it reduces to approximately 2 3/4 cups, which typically takes around 30 minutes.
- Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the extra-sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni pasta until tender yet still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, diced ham, chopped fresh parsley, and the prepared cheese sauce until everything is well coated.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, season the macaroni and cheese with ham with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Dish out generous portions of this rich and flavorful macaroni and cheese onto plates or bowls, and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy cheese, savory ham, and aromatic herbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 899.3
- Fat: 53.7g
- Saturated Fat: 30.6g
- Cholesterol: 183.6mg
- Sodium: 1009.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 68.2g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 6.6g
- Protein: 36g
Notes:
- For added flavor, consider using a high-quality, aged cheddar cheese.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Indulge in the luxurious taste of this elevated macaroni and cheese with ham recipe, perfect for any occasion when you crave a hearty and comforting meal. Enjoy every bite of this rich and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends! 🧀🍖
