Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe 🧀🍖🥛👨‍🍳 | Easy Baked Mac and Cheese No Flour 🧑‍🍳

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while maintaining flavor.

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: bacon

Turkey ham is lower in fat, while bacon adds a smoky flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is dairy-free, evaporated milk is often cheaper.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, pecorino is similar in taste.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bring salted water to a boil in a pot on high heat.

Add 8 ounces of whole wheat elbow macaroni and boil for 10 minutes.

Drain the macaroni and let it sit for a few minutes to allow residual heat to melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

Grate 16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese using a cheese grater or food processor.

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of evaporated milk, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup of sour cream, whisking until smooth.

In the buttered 8x8 casserole dish, layer about a third of the cooked macaroni, followed by a third of the grated cheese, and a third of the 8 ounces of smoked ham.

Sprinkle a third of the spices (1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper) over the layer.

Pour a third of the milk and sour cream custard mixture over the first layer.

Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.

Dollop 1/4 cup of sour cream over the top and spread it out evenly.

Cover the edges of the casserole with strips of foil to prevent burning and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

After 35 minutes, check the casserole; if the middle isn't fully set, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes without the foil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens