Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory punch of tender ham - a culinary masterpiece that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience! This Cheesy Mac and Ham Casserole is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Season the milk sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the macaroni, ham, and cheese mixture, stirring to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère to add depth to your dish.
- To prevent your casserole from becoming dry, be careful not to overcook the pasta initially - aim for al dente texture.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use high-quality, thick-cut ham for the best flavor and texture. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Want to sneak in some vegetables? Try adding diced bell peppers or peas to boost the nutritional value without compromising taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
