Mac and Cheese Ham Casserole

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: spiral pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko crumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko adds crunch without the cost.

Cook 4 cups of elbow noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk until combined.

Gradually add 0.5 cups of milk while whisking continuously.

Add 1 cup of chicken stock and whisk until the mixture thickens.

Once thickened, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth to create a cheese sauce.

Dice 3 cups of black forest ham and 1 cup of yellow onion.

Prep a 9 by 13 casserole dish by greasing it.

Add the cooked pasta, diced ham, and diced onion to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

Stir in 0.5 cups of sour cream or plain greek yogurt.

Crush 0.5 cups of seasoned croutons and set aside.

Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with the crushed croutons.

Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 minutes until brown and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens