Carries Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Warm, indulgent, and packed with flavor, Carrie’s Macaroni and Cheese with Ham takes classic comfort food to the next level. This rich, creamy dish features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, infused with the smoky, savory flavors of diced cooked ham. A crisp, golden panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is a hearty family favorite that's ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. With its layers of cheesy goodness and a delightful balance of textures, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for ultimate comfort food. Perfectly suited for cheese lovers searching for a delicious way to elevate traditional macaroni and cheese!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika (optional, for sprinkling)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens (about 5 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir in the diced ham until evenly distributed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently mix until well-coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory macaroni and cheese with ham!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
964 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.1 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.4 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 190 mg | 63% | |
| Sodium | 1933 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.0 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 49.8 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 841 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 478 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
