Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Canadian Living's Macaroni and Cheese with Ham—a family-friendly dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe takes classic mac 'n' cheese to the next level by combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan. The addition of savory, diced ham brings a hearty twist, while a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds delightful texture. Ready in under an hour, this baked macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Serve it fresh out of the oven alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that's sure to impress.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, little by little, until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, then add the cooked macaroni and diced ham. Stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving size | (1669.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3641.4 |
Total Fat 182.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 98.7g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g | |
Cholesterol 576.8mg | 0% |
Sodium 7566.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 318.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 12.7g | 0% |
Total Sugars 54.1g | |
Protein 186.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 340.3IU | 0% |
Calcium 3004.0mg | 0% |
Iron 15.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 1787.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories