Ham and Cheddar Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Ham and Cheddar Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for dinner or brunch. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, whole milk, and a hint of garlic, this casserole is elevated further with savory bites of diced cooked ham. Topped with a crispy layer of golden panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, it offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-prep dish is ideal for feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy gathering. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor before serving. Perfect as a hearty main course or as a standout side dish, this ham and cheese casserole is sure to become a new mealtime favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni and diced ham to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1961.9 grams (1961.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4208

Total Fat 203.40g	261%
Saturated Fat 104.30g	522%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 681mg	227%
Sodium 10931mg	475%
Total Carbohydrate 359.70g	131%
Dietary Fiber 14.10g	50%
Total Sugars 44.00g
Protein 240.80g	482%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2597mg	200%
Iron 13mg	72%
Potassium 2682mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.3%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 34.0%