Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but adding ham takes it to the next level. Chunks of diced or cubed ham are added to a simple cheese sauce, giving the dish a hearty, savoury kick. The addition of ham also makes this meal a great way to use up leftovers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, pasta, and extra ingredients like vegetables or spices to make this dish your own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ham Type | Diced, cubed, sliced, or chunks |
| Ham Cooking Method | Baked |
| Ham Quantity | 2 cups of chopped ham |
| Pasta Type | Elbow macaroni, rigatoni, small shells, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta |
| Pasta Quantity | 2 tablespoons of salt for every 4 quarts of water |
| Pasta Cooking Method | Boiled |
| Sauce Type | Cheese sauce, bechamel, or white sauce |
| Sauce Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, bouillon, pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, mustard, onion powder, cayenne, nutmeg |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, Brie, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Muenster, Velveeta, ricotta, mozzarella |
| Cheese Quantity | 1-2 cups of shredded cheese |
| Toppings | Bread crumbs, panko crumbs, buttery panko crumbs, crushed cornflakes, pork rinds, potato chips, Ritz crackers |
| Additional Ingredients | Green onions, peas, mushrooms, thyme, frozen broccoli, cauliflower, garlic |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 2-4 days or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook the macaroni
To cook the macaroni for macaroni and cheese, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water, then add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, being careful not to overcook it. Drain the pasta in a colander and, if you plan to bake the macaroni and cheese, do not rinse it. The starches on the pasta will help the sauce cling to the noodles. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
If you do not plan to bake the macaroni and cheese, you can rinse the pasta with hot water after draining. This will stop the cooking process and remove some of the starches, resulting in a less sticky final dish.
For a simple stovetop macaroni and cheese, melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk, bouillon, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring to melt. Remove from the heat once all the cheese has melted. Add the pasta and stir to coat.
For a baked macaroni and cheese, assemble the dish by pouring the sauce over the cooked pasta in a prepared baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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How to make the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until you get a smooth mixture. You can add in some dry mustard, garlic, and onion powder for extra flavour. Next, slowly whisk in milk, chicken bouillon, and pepper. You can also add in some heavy cream for a richer sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes or until it thickens.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted. Cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can also use Gruyere, Gouda, Brie, Monterey Jack, or Havarti. For a nuttier flavour, add some Parmesan cheese. You can also mix in other creamy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream.
Once the cheese has melted, add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat. You can also add in the ham at this stage, or you can stir it in later after adding the pasta. If you're adding frozen vegetables like peas, now is the time to do so. Continue stirring until everything is well combined and you're ready to serve a delicious, hearty meal!
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How to prepare the ham
Ham is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways to add flavour and texture to your macaroni and cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the ham for this hearty dish:
Choose the Type of Ham:
Start by selecting the type of ham you want to use. You can use fully cooked ham, such as sliced ham from the deli, leftover grilled ham steak, or glazed ham from a holiday meal.
Dice or Chop the Ham:
While your pasta is cooking, prepare the ham by dicing or chopping it into small pieces. The size of the ham chunks can vary according to your preference. Larger chunks of ham will provide a more substantial bite, while smaller dices will distribute the ham flavour throughout the dish.
Cooking the Ham:
If you are using raw ham, such as cubed ham, you will need to cook it before adding it to the macaroni and cheese. You can cook the ham separately by frying, grilling, or baking it until it is fully cooked and slightly browned. This will enhance the flavour and ensure it is safe to consume.
Seasoning the Ham:
To enhance the flavour of the ham, you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, thyme, or nutmeg to add depth of flavour to the dish.
Combining with Cheese Sauce:
Once your ham is cooked and seasoned, you can combine it with the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour and your choice of seasonings. Gradually add milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is completely melted. Finally, add the diced or chopped ham to the cheese sauce and mix well.
By following these steps, you can prepare delicious and flavourful ham to elevate your macaroni and cheese dish. The combination of cheesy sauce and seasoned ham will create a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
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How to assemble the dish
To assemble this comforting, hearty dish, start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then slowly add in milk, bouillon, and pepper. You can also add in some chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, until melted. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, or Monterey Jack. Once the cheese is melted, add the cooked macaroni and stir to coat.
Now, it's time to mix in the ham. You can use diced or cubed leftover ham, grilled ham steak, or sliced ham from the deli. If you want to add some vegetables, this is the time to mix in options like green onions, peas, or broccoli.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and if desired, add a crispy topping like seasoned breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or crushed cornflakes.
Bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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How to cook and serve the dish
How to cook and serve ham macaroni and cheese
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Salted water
- Milk
- Flour
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Pepper
- Butter
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or another cheese of your choice)
- Chopped ham
- Green onions (optional)
- Breadcrumbs
Method
Start by cooking the macaroni in boiling salted water, following the package directions. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse with hot water. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and flour, and whisk to blend thoroughly. Stir in salt, onion powder, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in the chopped ham and green onions, if using, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted, then remove from the heat.
Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until all the breadcrumbs are moistened.
Spoon the macaroni mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese and then sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Serving suggestions
Top the casserole with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a classic finish. You can also experiment with other crispy toppings, such as crushed cornflakes, pork rinds, potato chips, or Ritz crackers.
For a lighter sauce, replace half of the milk with chicken stock or vegetable broth (low sodium). You can also make the sauce even creamier by using some half-and-half or light cream in place of some of the milk.
Serve with a tossed salad and biscuits for a satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, spices, and milk. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, ham, and pasta. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes.
You can use any type of cooked ham for this dish. Diced, cubed, or sliced ham from the deli all work well. You can also use leftover ham from another meal, such as grilled ham steak or glazed ham.
Cheddar is a classic choice for macaroni and cheese, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Monterey Jack. For extra sharpness and nuttiness, add some Parmesan cheese.
