Macaroni and Cheese With Ham

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories and adds creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking and adds flavor.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko crumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers can provide a similar texture at a lower cost.

Begin by boiling a large pot of water.

While that is boiling, add 1/2 stick of butter to a smaller pot and let it melt.

Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and stir to combine.

Let it cook for about a minute.

Slowly stir in 2 1/2 cups of milk, whisking constantly as you pour it in.

Once all the milk is added, let it heat up and thicken.

Once the sauce has thickened enough to coat the whisk, add 1 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, whisking as you add it in.

Once all the cheese is added, add in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and whisk to combine.

Remove the cheese sauce from heat.

When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add it back into the pot.

Add 2 cups of diced ham and the cheese sauce to the pasta and mix to combine.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 by 13 foil pan and flatten it down with a spoon.

Let it cool for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Cover it with aluminum foil and label it with the date, recipe name, and baking instructions.

Lay it flat in the freezer.

When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens