Creamy Ham and Peas Macaroni Bake
Indulge in a hearty and comforting dish with our Creamy Ham and Peas Macaroni Bake. This one-dish wonder combines tender elbow macaroni, rich Swiss and cheddar cheeses, savory diced ham, and vibrant peas. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will delight everyone at the table. Bake it to perfection, and serve hot for a meal that will surely satisfy hunger and warm the soul.
8
Servings
475
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
butter
6 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
milk
3 1/2 cups (whole, warmed)
Swiss cheese
2 cups (shredded)
cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
mustard
1 teaspoon ( Dijon or yellow)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked optional)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ( )
salt
1/2 teaspoon (more to taste as needed)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (black, freshly ground)
cooked ham
1 lb (diced)
baby peas
1 1/2 cups (frozen, thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4
Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until it forms a roux.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
6
Add the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses to the pot, along with the mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
7
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the diced ham, thawed peas, and the cooked macaroni. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
8
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
37.5
Carbs
21.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Peas Macaroni Bake?
It is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal featuring elbow macaroni, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, savory diced ham, and vibrant peas.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much elbow macaroni is needed?
You will need 1 lb of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until it is al dente.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of unsalted, melted butter.
How much onion should I add?
Use 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
What amount of flour is required for the roux?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much milk is needed for the cheese sauce?
You need 3 1/2 cups of warmed whole milk.
What types of cheese are used in this macaroni bake?
This recipe uses 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese and 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What kind of mustard should be used?
You can use 1 teaspoon of either Dijon or yellow mustard.
Is paprika included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika is used, and smoked paprika is an optional variation.
How much garlic powder is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much ham is required?
You will need 1 lb of diced cooked ham.
What type of peas are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of frozen baby peas that have been thawed.
What size baking dish should be used?
A greased 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the mixture for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the top is golden and bubbly.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 475 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 21.25 grams of protein.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Should the milk be cold when added to the roux?
The recipe specifies using warmed milk for the best results.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy dinner option and a one-dish wonder.
Can I add more salt?
Yes, you can add more salt to taste as needed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, ham, peas, baked pasta, comfort food, and easy dinner.
Should the dish be served immediately?
The recipe recommends letting it cool slightly after baking and then serving it warm.