Macaroni and Cheese with Ham -

A close of photo of creamy mac and cheese with ham.

5 from 2 votes

Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Chunks of savory, smoky ham are added to perfectly seasoned, gooey, melted cheese. Macaroni and Cheese with Ham is a dinner you'll make more than once.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 439kcal

Ingredients

1 pound dried pasta macaroni, cavatappi, penne, or shells
¾ cup whole milk divided
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
¼ teaspoon dry mustard OR 1 teaspoon of yellow or Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon granulated onion
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese about 1½ cups
4 ounces freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese about 1½ cups
¾ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper adjust to taste
1 cup diced ham
½ cup frozen peas OPTIONAL

Instructions

In a large pot, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil. Bring the water to a boil and then add 2 tablespoons of salt. Add the pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente, being careful not to overcook. The pasta should still have a nice chew to it. Drain and do not rinse.
In the same pot used for the pasta, combine ½ cup of milk and the cream over medium heat. In a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the remaining milk with the flour, garlic powder, mustard, onion powder, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth.
When the milk on the stove begins to steam (not boil!) add the flour mixture and whisk to combine. Continue whisking until the milk thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring with a spoon or spatula to melt. Remove from the heat once all the cheese has melted.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Add the ham and mix throughout. Stir in peas, if desired. Taste and add salt, only if needed.

Notes

Prefer to skip the flour? Replace the milk with additional heavy cream (for a total of 1½ cups of heavy cream). Just warm the cream and spices to steaming and add the cheese as directed in the recipe.

Nutrition