Spicy Ham and Cheese Casserole
Get ready to elevate comfort food with this Spicy Ham and Cheese Casserole, a bold and cheesy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with tender elbow macaroni, savory diced ham, and a tantalizing blend of cheddar and mozzarella, this casserole boasts creamy decadence with just the right amount of heat from diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce. A crunchy panko breadcrumb and parmesan topping adds the perfect golden finish, making every bite a delightful mix of rich, spicy, and crispy textures. Quick to prep and baked to bubbly perfection, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. With its irresistible flavors and hearty ingredients, this baked casserole recipe is destined to become a family favorite that delivers both comfort and excitement in every mouthful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 whole jalapeños, diced
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the diced ham, jalapeños, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spicy Ham and Cheese Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4273 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 256.6 g | 329% | |
| Saturated Fat | 144.6 g | 723% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 887 mg | 296% | |
| Sodium | 10491 mg | 456% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 271.2 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.2 g | ||
| Protein | 212.1 g | 424% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 3693 mg | 284% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 2470 mg | 53% | |
*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.
