Ham and Mac & Cheese casserole

Ingredients:

12 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced into small cubes

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

_ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (warm for best results)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 2 1/2 cups for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

•1 cup panko breadcrumbs

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon •smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor and color)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to

375°F (190°C) and greasing a

9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick coray or butter.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. The pasta should be just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, begin the creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux (a thick paste). Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Gradually add the warm milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, but avoid boiling. Once the sauce lickens (about 3-4 minutes), stir in

the garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked macaroni and diced am to the cheese sauce, folding everything together until the pasta and ham are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping

To make the topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and smoked paprika (if using) in a small bowl. Mix until the

breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the macaroni, followed by the

breadcrumb mixture.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.

For an extra crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3

minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving!

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