Mac and Cheese with Ham
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
722 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Mac and Cheese with Ham
Description
This Mac and Cheese with Ham recipe combines wide egg noodles cooked with salted water, then mixed into a creamy sauce crafted from heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and flour for thickening. Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper season the sauce, which is enriched with an Italian cheese blend, providing richness and sharpness. Cubed ham introduces a meaty, salty element, complemented by fresh parsley and dried basil for herbal notes.
The mixture is transferred to a buttered baking dish, topped with additional shredded cheese, and baked uncovered at 350°F to achieve bubbly sauce and a lightly browned crust on top. Letting the dish sit before serving helps the sauce thicken and flavors settle.
This casserole serves as a comforting main or side dish. It can be made ahead by assembling without baking, then refrigerated or frozen. Baking uncovered results in a creamy texture with crisp edges; covering during baking softens the top layer if preferred.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to four days and reheated in microwave or stovetop with added milk or cream to restore creaminess. Adjust seasoning before baking to suit personal tastes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles wide
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups milk whole
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt plus more if needed, with parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 3½ cups Italian cheese blend divided
- 6 ounces ham cubes
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh and finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon basil dried
Instructions
- Butter a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Add salt to water for boiling. Do not rinse noodles.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cream, milk, flour, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese. Add the noodles and toss to coat.
- Stir in ham, parsely, and basil. Add any more garlic salt and pepper, if needed
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the noodle mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese melts, and it's slightly browning on top.
- Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Baking uncovered creates a creamy mac and cheese with a slightly crisp top; covering for 20 minutes softens the crust before finishing uncovered.
- For make-ahead, assemble but do not bake; store covered in the fridge up to 24 hours or freeze wrapped for 2-3 months before baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust garlic salt and black pepper seasonings before baking to suit your preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 722 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 722kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 166mg | 55% |
| Sodium | 757mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 298mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1107IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 283mg | 28% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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