Ultimate Cheddar Ham Macaroni Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky ham, this ultimate cheddar ham macaroni bake is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 cups diced ham
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and nutty.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
[‘Grate your own cheese for better melting.’, ‘Use room temperature milk to prevent clumping in the sauce.’, ‘Customize the topping with Parmesan or Italian seasoning.’, ‘Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven for easier serving.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: cheddar ham macaroni bake, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, family-friendly recipe