Description
Delicious Cheddar and Ham Macaroni Bake recipe. Discover a comforting dinner idea for tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (8 oz/225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup (4 oz/115g) Gruyère or Swiss cheese, grated
- 2 cups (12 oz/340g) cooked ham, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (35g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate—you want it decidedly al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, grate your cheeses and dice the ham. Having everything prepared before making your sauce ensures the process flows smoothly.
- Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux) that smells slightly nutty but hasn’t browned. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add the Cheese and Ham Add about three-quarters of both cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth. The residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese; returning it to direct heat can cause the sauce to become grainy. Fold in the diced ham, distributing it evenly throughout the sauce.
- Step 4: Combine and Transfer Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece is coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the breadcrumbs.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake your Cheddar and Ham Macaroni Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness on top, switch to the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving neater. Garnish with fresh parsley just before bringing it to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg