Ham and Mac Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ham and Mac Bake, a creamy and cheesy casserole that brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory diced ham, and a velvety cheddar and parmesan sauce. This family-friendly favorite features a crunchy, golden panko breadcrumb topping, perfectly baked to create a delightful contrast in texture. Balanced with hints of garlic and freshly chopped parsley, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Keywords: macaroni casserole, ham and cheese bake, creamy pasta bake, easy comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the diced ham, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and ham mixture, then pour it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and delicious Ham and Mac Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1603.2 grams (1603.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3508

Total Fat 185.30g	238%
Saturated Fat 101.30g	506%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 665mg	222%
Sodium 9568mg	416%
Total Carbohydrate 255.20g	93%
Dietary Fiber 10.10g	36%
Total Sugars 46.20g
Protein 210.00g	420%

Vitamin D 316IU	1582%
Calcium 2866mg	220%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 2218mg	47%

*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: 47.3%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 28.9%