Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Casserole

Elevate your comfort food game with the **Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Casserole**, a rich and creamy dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This decadent casserole combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, enhanced by a hint of garlic and mustard for extra depth of flavor. Diced, smoky ham is folded into the mix for a savory boost, while a golden, crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan adds an irresistible textural contrast. Baked to bubbly perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this hearty, cheesy masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to make and loaded with indulgent ingredients, this baked mac and cheese casserole is comfort food at its finest!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Ground mustard
• 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5 minutes).

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder. Lower the heat to medium-low.

Step 6

Slowly add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni and diced ham to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2473.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6175.2

Total Fat 371.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 204.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 1246.8mg	0%
Sodium 12710.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 373.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 58.6g
Protein 319.9g	0%

Vitamin D 418.1IU	0%
Calcium 4902.9mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 2916.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.6%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 24.4%