The entire family always requests this for any dinner party I host!
There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of baked mac and cheese with ham. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or planning a cozy gathering with friends and family, this timeless dish never fails to impress. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the perfect baked mac and cheese with ham, from essential ingredients to mouth-watering variations that will elevate your culinary experience.
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Ingredients:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Milk | 2 1/2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kosher Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 3 cups |
| Gruyère Cheese | 1 cup |
| Cooked Ham | 1 1/2 cups |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Parsley (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Boil the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheese:
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Lower the heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese.
- Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Ham and Macaroni:
- Add the diced cooked ham to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni until it’s evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni in the baking dish.
- Bake and Serve:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
