Ham and Macaroni Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this Ham and Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this hearty casserole is taken to the next level with savory bites of diced ham. A crunchy, buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds a golden finish, ensuring every bite is a perfect mix of creamy and crispy goodness. Ready in just 45 minutes and easy to prepare, this classic baked macaroni dish is an excellent way to use up leftover ham while delighting both kids and adults alike. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color, and serve warm to savor its rich, comforting taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.75 cups of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. Stir in the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.25 cups of Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni in the baking dish.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with dried parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2161 grams (2161.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5129

Total Fat 265.30g	340%
Saturated Fat 141.60g	708%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.90g
Cholesterol 934mg	311%
Sodium 12794mg	556%
Total Carbohydrate 378.50g	138%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 58.90g
Protein 304.60g	609%

Vitamin D 403IU	2015%
Calcium 4250mg	327%
Iron 21mg	119%
Potassium 2805mg	60%

*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: 46.6%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 29.6%