Ham and Cheese Macaroni

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Ham and Cheese Macaroni recipe takes classic baked mac and cheese to the next level with the addition of savory diced ham and a golden, crispy panko-parmesan topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella, elevated by a touch of garlic powder for extra depth of flavor. Topped off with a satisfying crunch from toasted breadcrumbs, this hearty casserole is easy to make, coming together in just 45 minutes. Whether you're feeding a crowd or craving indulgent comfort food, this baked mac and cheese with ham is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until fully melted. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni and diced ham to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ham and Cheese Macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2771.3 grams (2771.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6392

Total Fat 348.10g	446%
Saturated Fat 195.40g	977%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 1199mg	400%
Sodium 12194mg	530%
Total Carbohydrate 461.40g	168%
Dietary Fiber 18.30g	65%
Total Sugars 74.50g
Protein 324.70g	649%

Vitamin D 501IU	2507%
Calcium 4683mg	360%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 3326mg	71%

*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: 49.9%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 29.4%