Ham and Mac Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ham and Mac Bake, a creamy and cheesy casserole that brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory diced ham, and a velvety cheddar and parmesan sauce. This family-friendly favorite features a crunchy, golden panko breadcrumb topping, perfectly baked to create a delightful contrast in texture. Balanced with hints of garlic and freshly chopped parsley, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Keywords: macaroni casserole, ham and cheese bake, creamy pasta bake, easy comfort food recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the diced ham, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and ham mixture, then pour it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and delicious Ham and Mac Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
642 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.2 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1620 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 35.6 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 487 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 416 mg | 9% | |
*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.
