This Mac and Cheese with Ham is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy cheese sauce coats each macaroni while chunks of ham add a tasty twist. It’s warm, cheesy, and simply delicious!
I love making this dish after a long day; it’s quick and satisfying. Plus, who can resist extra cheese? 😋 Just throw it all together, and you have a meal that feels like a warm hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape is a classic for mac and cheese. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use cavatappi or shells instead. They hold cheese sauce well, just like elbows!
Cooked Ham: I love using leftover ham for this dish. If you need a substitute, diced turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option work great and still give nice flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives that classic cheesy flavor. For a twist, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for some spice. Aged cheddar adds a deeper flavor as well.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re out of sour cream, and it also bumps up the protein!
Potato Chips: Those crushed chips provide a crunchy topping. You can swap in crushed crackers or even panko breadcrumbs tossed with a bit of melted butter all for that crunchy texture!
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce can be a bit tricky, but with these simple steps, you can nail it! The key is to whisk constantly as you add liquid to prevent lumps.
- Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Once melted, add the flour to create a roux. Cook for about a minute until it’s bubbling slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, keeping the heat at medium. This ensures it thickens without burning.
- After 3-5 minutes, as the sauce thickens, you can stir in sour cream and spices. Remove from heat and then slowly mix in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
Taking the time to whisk and adding the cheese slowly will help you achieve a smooth sauce every time!
How to Make Mac and Cheese with Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful mac and cheese dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you should be ready to enjoy this comfort food in about 45-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the mac and cheese will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown!
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add the flour and stir it together with a whisk to form a roux. Cook this for about 1 minute until it’s slightly bubbly but not browned.
4. Whisk in the Milk:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which will take about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be creamy!
5. Add Flavor and Cheese:
Next, stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes a smooth sauce.
6. Combine Macaroni and Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and the cheese sauce. Mix everything until the pasta and ham are coated in that delicious cheesy sauce!
7. Assemble and Top:
Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top for some extra crunch.
8. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit. Serve it up hot and enjoy your comforting mac and cheese with ham!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a great flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for creaminess or gouda for a smoky twist. Just make sure to use about 2 cups total, adjusting based on your taste preference!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’d like a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Mac and Cheese with Ham?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to help rehydrate it during reheating.
Can I Freeze Mac and Cheese with Ham?
Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 350°F (175°C) covered for about 30-40 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
