Macaroni And Cheese With Ham Recipe
Macaroni and Cheese with Ham is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta loaded with tender macaroni and diced ham, making it the perfect way to use up some of that leftover holiday ham.
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Macaroni Pasta
- ½ Cup Pasta Water (reserved)
- 1 Tbs Butter
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Tbs Dijon Mustard
- 2.5 Cups Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- 1-1.5 Cups Ham, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water (if needed later), then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and lower the heat. Gradually stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until it’s melted into the sauce. Stir in the diced ham and macaroni until it’s evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish and top with additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Place it into the center rack of the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sides are hot and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes and serve.