Mac And Cheese With Ham

Nothing tastes more like childhood than mac and cheese. If your toddlers (or teens… or significant other...) request this cheesy pasta all the time, your everyday Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe might be working overtime. Although your go-to recipe is that way for a reason, why not switch things up by adding a bit of ham?

In this mac and cheese with ham recipe, chopped, smoked ham rounds out the dish, making it a heartier main dish than its meatless counterparts. The creamy mixture of meat, pasta, and cheeses—including Gouda and sharp Cheddar cheese—is topped off with crushed cornflakes and melted butter, making a second serving inescapable.

Better yet, you can keep the pasta variety alive even on the umpteenth request for mac and cheese with easy variations to this recipe. We've included adaptations for a Pepper Jack Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Pea-and-Prosciutto Macaroni and Cheese, Pimiento Macaroni and Cheese, and Ham-and-Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese so you'll never be out of ideas.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese With Ham

To make this mac and cheese, you'll need:

• Uncooked cellentani (corkscrew) pasta: We love this pasta shape for its ability to grab onto the sauce, but feel free to substitute with your family's favorite type.
• Butter: Used to create a roux to thicken the mac and cheese sauce, and mixed into the cereal topping for even browning.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce.
• Fat-free milk: Combined with evaporated milk to give the sauce a creamy base.
• Canned fat-free evaporated milk: Evaporated milk has a high-protein content, which helps emulsify the sauce to keep it creamy and smooth.
• Smoked gouda: A smoky, nutty, creamy flavor; can be substituted with other smoked cheeses for a similar flavor profile (Colby, Cheddar, mozzarella).
• Reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese: A sharp, rich cheese for that classic mac and cheese taste.
• Fat-free cream cheese: Adds another level of richness to the sauce.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Ground red pepper: Adds a little heat; can substitute with cayenne pepper or leave it out if you're serving the whole family.
• Chopped smoked ham: A great way to use up leftovers; you can also use pulled pork, or bacon.
• Cooking spray: For easy cleanup.
• Cornflakes cereal: Adds a crisp topping to the mac and cheese that takes it over the top; can also use crumbled crackers or panko.

How To Make Mac and Cheese with Ham

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Step 2. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven. Gradually whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and evaporated milk until smooth and cook, whisking, 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in Gouda, next 3 ingredients, and 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper. Remove from heat; stir in ham and pasta.
• Step 3. Pour into a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine cereal, melted butter and remaining red pepper; sprinkle over pasta.
• Step 4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

How To Make Mac and Cheese With Ham Ahead

Mac and cheese is a fantastic make-ahead meal, especially if you have a busy week coming up. Prepare mac and cheese (without topping), wrap, and refrigerate for up to two days, or freeze for up to three months. Defrost if frozen, then set on the counter for 30 minutes and top with cereal topping before baking as directed.

How To Store Leftover Mac and Cheese With Ham

Wrap and refrigerate leftover mac and cheese for up to three days or freeze up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving.

More Mac and Cheese Recipes You'll Love

We can't get enough mac and cheese either. Continue to explore new ways of making this iconic dish by checking out some of our favorite recipes:

• Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
• Barbecue Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Mac and Cheese with Ham
• Tortellini Mac and Cheese
• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
• Green Chile Mac and Cheese with Chicken
• Cajun Mac and Cheese
• Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
  

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.