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.

Boil 4 quarts of water in a pot on high heat.

Add 5 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and set a timer for 8 minutes.

Stir the macaroni occasionally to prevent sticking.

Melt 6 tablespoons of margarine or butter in a separate pan to make the white sauce.

Add 1/3 cup of flour to the melted butter and mix until well combined.

Gradually add 3 and 1/2 cups of milk to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth and thickened.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.

Drain the cooked macaroni and add 3 cups of chopped turkey ham, stirring to combine.

Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and ham and stir to combine.

Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with canola cooking spray and pour the macaroni mixture into the dish.

In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs, stirring to lightly brown them.

Sprinkle the browned breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture.

Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper on top.

Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens