Cheddar Macaroni and Ham Casserole
Indulge in comforting, cheesy perfection with this Cheddar Macaroni and Ham Casserole, a family-friendly dish that pairs the creamy richness of sharp cheddar and parmesan with tender elbow macaroni and savory diced ham. Topped with golden, paprika-kissed panko breadcrumbs, this baked casserole offers the perfect combination of gooey, melty goodness and satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare with only 20 minutes of prep time, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Bursting with flavor and textures, this one-pan dinner guarantees rave reviews while keeping cleanup minimal. Serve it as a hearty main dish paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, irresistible meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and mustard powder, stirring to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and paprika. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm and cheesy Cheddar Macaroni and Ham Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.2 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.8 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 185 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 2010 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 47.6 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 643 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 530 mg | 11% | |
*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.
