Ham Cheese Macaroni Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ham Cheese Macaroni Bake, a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender macaroni pasta smothered in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe takes it up a notch with savory diced ham and a golden topping of parmesan-panko breadcrumbs. Ready in under an hour, it combines simple pantry staples like milk, butter, and garlic powder to create a flavor-packed casserole that’s both hearty and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're looking for a make-ahead meal or a satisfying way to use leftover ham, this Ham Cheese Macaroni Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams macaroni pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the diced cooked ham to the cheese sauce, followed by salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and ham mixture. Mix well to coat all the pasta.

Step 8

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

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ham Cheese Macaroni Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1534.4 grams (1534.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3650

Total Fat 182.20g	234%
Saturated Fat 100.70g	504%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 627mg	209%
Sodium 9131mg	397%
Total Carbohydrate 301.20g	110%
Dietary Fiber 11.50g	41%
Total Sugars 39.70g
Protein 208.80g	418%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2771mg	213%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 2379mg	51%

*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: 44.6%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 32.7%