How to Make Delicious Macaroni and Cheese with Ham | Pasta Recipe | Allrecipes.com

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.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add salt to the boiling water.

Add 8 oz package of elbow macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.

Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process; set aside.

Cut 1/4 lb of ham into cubes.

Cut 5 oz of cheddar cheese into cubes.

Cut 5 oz of mozzarella cheese into cubes.

Cut 5 oz of Monterey Jack cheese into cubes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 5 tbsp of butter; melt the butter.

Stir in 5 tbsp of flour using a wire whisk to make a roux; stir for 1 to 2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in 1 quart of warm milk a little at a time to make a white sauce.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Continue to stir and simmer the sauce until it thickens.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the cubed cheeses and ham.

Combine the pasta with the sauce and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.

Sprinkle a little paprika on top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top becomes crispy.

Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for about 20 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens