Deluxe Mac Cheese with Ham and Peas
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deluxe Mac and Cheese with Ham and Peas, a rich and creamy twist on a timeless classic. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this dish is elevated with savory diced ham and vibrant peas for a hearty, satisfying meal. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan, this baked mac and cheese offers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. Ready in just 50 minutes and perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-pan wonder is a must-try for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food rules the menu.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and thawed peas to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.1 g | 287% | |
| Saturated Fat | 118.3 g | 592% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 777 mg | 259% | |
| Sodium | 10137 mg | 441% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 375.6 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.5 g | ||
| Protein | 260.2 g | 520% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.1 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 3792 mg | 292% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 2970 mg | 63% | |
*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.
