Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Ham, a hearty twist on a classic dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe features al dente elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella, enhanced with a touch of Dijon mustard and aromatic spices like garlic and onion powder. The surprise addition of diced vegan ham offers a smoky, savory element, while a golden, crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil brings irresistible texture to every bite. Baked to perfection in under an hour, this vegetarian macaroni and cheese combines indulgence with a plant-based twist—an easy, family-friendly meal that will delight vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 150 grams vegan ham, diced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking, occasionally whisking, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and diced vegan ham. Mix until the macaroni is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1379.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3560.7

Total Fat 192.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 479.4mg	0%
Sodium 5125.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.1g
Protein 174.3g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 3366.8mg	0%
Iron 14.7mg	0%
Potassium 1157.7mg	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: 49.0%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 31.3%