Go Back
–+ servings
Cheddar and Ham Macaroni Bake

Cheddar and Ham Macaroni Bake for Cozy Family Dinners

Experience comfort with Cheddar and Ham Macaroni Bake, a creamy dish perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Macaroni Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated for a smooth sauce.
  • 4 tbsp Butter Essential for making a roux.
  • 4 tbsp Flour All-purpose or gluten-free blend.
  • 2 cups Milk Adjust for desired thickness.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For extra richness.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Optional, but recommended.
  • 1 tsp Ground Mustard Adds depth to the sauce.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Ham Use leftover or deli ham.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko) Consider mixing in smoked paprika for flavor.

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • large pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until thickened.
  5. Season the sauce with garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper, then stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Fold in the cooked macaroni and diced ham until evenly coated with sauce.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese and breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking for better texture. Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!