Baked Ham Mac & Cheese 🤤💛
Ingredients
• 3 blocks sharp cheddar, shredded (trust me, shred your own!)
• 1 block Colby Jack, shredded
• 1 bag shredded mozzarella
• Leftover ham, chopped/cubed (or a couple ham steaks if you don’t have leftovers)
• 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 7 tbsp butter
• 7 tbsp flour
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
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Steps
1. Prep everything first — shred all your cheese (don’t skip this part!), chop your ham, and get it all set aside so you’re ready to go.
2. Boil your pasta until just al dente. Drain it and let it hang out off to the side.
3. Make your roux: melt 7 tbsp butter in a big pot, whisk in 7 tbsp flour, and let it bubble for a minute.
4. Slowly whisk in your evaporated milk, then gradually add the 3 cups whole milk. Don’t dump it all in at once — slow and steady keeps it smooth.
5. Season it with mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Let it thicken up a bit.
6. Now comes the fun part: add half your shredded cheese into the sauce, one handful at a time, letting each batch melt completely before adding the next.
7. Stir in your pasta and then add your chopped ham. Mix until everything is coated and happy.
8. Layer it up:
• Pour half the mac-and-ham mixture into your baking dish.
• Add a good layer of the remaining shredded cheese.
• Add the rest of the mac mixture.
• Finish with the last layer of cheese on top.
9. Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
10. Let it sit 15–20 minutes so it can set. (I know it’s hard. But it’s worth it.) #macandcheese #cheese #lapuracrema #dinner #easyrecipe
Baked Ham Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic that combines creamy cheese sauce with hearty pasta and savory ham, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions. Using a combination of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses boosts both flavor and texture, creating a rich and indulgent dish. Shredding your own cheese, as suggested, enhances the melting quality and ensures freshness compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain preservatives that can affect flavor and texture. The roux made from butter and flour is essential for creating a silky béchamel base, while the addition of evaporated milk and whole milk provides richness without overwhelming the sauce. Mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, balancing the creamy cheese blend. For pasta, cavatappi is an excellent choice due to its spiral shape that traps cheese sauce and ham, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Incorporating leftover ham or ham steaks adds protein and a smoky element that complements the cheeses perfectly. When assembling the casserole, layering cheese between the pasta and ham mixture maximizes cheesiness and creates a satisfying crust when baked. Baking at 400°F until bubbly and golden results in a crispy top layer contrasting with the creamy interior. Allowing the mac and cheese to rest after baking is crucial; it helps the sauce thicken and the dish to set, preventing it from being too runny. For variations, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for extra crunch or mixing in vegetables like peas or sautéed spinach for added nutrition. This recipe is highly adaptable, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, anyone can create a delicious, restaurant-quality baked ham mac & cheese at home. Don't forget to experiment with your favorite cheeses or add spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance the flavor further. The balance of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella combined with quality ham and creamy sauce makes this baked mac & cheese a standout comfort food that’s sure to satisfy cheesy cravings.
