Alright, cheese lovers and ham enthusiasts, gather 'round! We're about to embark on a culinary journey that's as comforting as a warm hug and as satisfying as a perfect nap. Forget your diet for a day (or two!) because we're diving headfirst into a bowl of glorious Ham Mac and Cheese!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Mac and cheese? Again?" But trust me, this ain't your average boxed mac. This is a homemade, from-scratch, cheesy masterpiece that's elevated with the salty, savory goodness of ham. It's like a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited! Especially those picky eaters, because even they can't resist the siren call of cheesy goodness.
Why Ham? Why not? It's a fantastic way to use up any leftover ham you might have hanging around – you know, from that big holiday feast or that ambitious Sunday roast. Instead of letting it languish in the fridge, let's transform it into something truly spectacular. Plus, the saltiness of the ham is a perfect foil to the creamy richness of the cheese sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile that will have your taste buds singing.
And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it. We're talking boiling pasta (any kind will do, really, but penne, macaroni, or shells work great!), whipping up a quick cheese sauce, tossing it all together with some ham, and then, the pièce de résistance, topping it with buttery breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of parmesan before baking it to golden-brown perfection.
Ready to get cooking? Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells)
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups of milk
- ½ teaspoon prepared mustard
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 4 ounces cooked ham, cubed
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a big pot of salted water boiling, throw in the pasta, and cook until it's al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain it, and let it hang out for a bit.
- Grab a small bowl and mix those breadcrumbs with the ¼ cup of melted butter. Set it aside; we'll need it later for that delicious crispy topping.
- Now, for the cheese sauce: Melt ¼ cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, throw in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper and cook while stirring for 2 minutes. It should form a smooth paste.
- Pour in the milk gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring it to a gentle boil, and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the mustard, followed by the Colby cheese and continue to stir until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. Take it off the heat.
- Now comes the fun part – add the pasta and cubed ham to the cheese sauce and give it a good stir.
- Lightly grease your 2-quart baking dish (because no one likes food sticking!). Pour the pasta and ham mixture into the dish and sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then top it all off with that buttery breadcrumb mixture.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbly and that breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Seriously, the aroma alone is worth the effort!
And that's it! A delicious, cheesy, ham-tastic masterpiece ready to be devoured. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty, but also it is easily adaptable to your liking. You can experiment with different cheeses, pasta shapes, or even add in some veggies to make it even more nutritious. So, don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
This Ham Mac and Cheese is the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a crowd-pleaser that's guaranteed to leave smiles on faces and full bellies at the table. Don't forget, you can always use the Menuistia app ( https://www.menuistia.com ) to help you plan your meals and stay on track with your healthy eating goals!
So, go on, get your cheese on and enjoy this comforting culinary creation. Your family will thank you, and so will your taste buds! Happy cooking!