Savory White Cheddar & Ham Macaroni Bake
Experience the comfort of homemade macaroni and cheese in a new light with this Savory White Cheddar & Ham Macaroni Bake. Inspired by an unforgettable dish from a local gourmet restaurant, this recipe combines the rich creaminess of sharp white cheddar cheese with tender elbow macaroni and succulent cubes of ham. The creamy white sauce, delicately crafted from scratch, ensures each bite is packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family lunch or as a satisfying snack, served alongside vibrant green vegetables like steamed asparagus or crisp green beans. Enjoy this delicious and heartfelt homage to classic comfort food, and feel free to experiment with cheese varieties for your personal touch!
N/A
Servings
213
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
cooked ham
1 cup (cubed)
butter or margarine
1.5 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
all-purpose flour
1.5 tablespoons (none)
milk
1 cup (whole or low-fat)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
sharp white cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. In the last minute of cooking, add the cubed ham to warm it up. Once done, drain the macaroni and ham, then set aside.
2
While the water is heating and macaroni is cooking, prepare the white cheese sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and salt. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3
Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, continuously stirring to combine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
4
Lower the heat and allow the sauce to thicken, stirring regularly for about 4-6 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved. Don't forget about your macaroni and ham!
5
Remove the white sauce from heat, then add the grated sharp white cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Season with pepper to taste.
6
In a large mixing bowl or the pot used for the macaroni, combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and ham. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the sauce.
7
For an added touch, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
8
Serve hot alongside a fresh green vegetable like green beans or asparagus. Enjoy your homemade comfort food masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory White Cheddar & Ham Macaroni Bake?
It is a comforting homemade dish that combines sharp white cheddar cheese, tender elbow macaroni, and succulent cubes of ham in a creamy white sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this macaroni bake?
The main ingredients are elbow macaroni, cooked ham, butter or margarine, all-purpose flour, milk, salt, sharp white cheddar cheese, and black pepper.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of grated sharp white cheddar cheese.
How much cooked ham is needed?
You will need 1 cup of cubed, cooked ham.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 213 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This dish contains 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat does a serving contain?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the macaroni bake in the oven?
It should bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
When should I add the ham during the cooking process?
Add the cubed ham to the boiling macaroni water during the last minute of cooking to warm it up.
How do I make the white sauce base?
Melt butter, whisk in flour and salt for 1 minute, then slowly stir in milk and bring to a gentle boil.
How long should the sauce simmer to thicken?
The sauce should be stirred regularly for about 4-6 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either whole or low-fat milk.
What side dishes pair well with this macaroni bake?
It is recommended to serve this dish with green vegetables like steamed asparagus or crisp green beans.
Is the ham used in the recipe pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of cooked ham.
How much flour is required for the roux?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the prep for the elbow macaroni?
You start with 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe suggests using 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted, melted butter or margarine.
Can I substitute the white cheddar for another cheese?
Yes, the recipe encourages experimenting with different cheese varieties for a personal touch.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish before putting it in the oven.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
This recipe was inspired by a gourmet dish from a local restaurant.
Is there a specific way to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 8 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a snack?
Yes, the description mentions it is perfect for a family lunch or a satisfying snack.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, ham, baked mac and cheese, sharp cheddar, and homemade.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be completely melted, smooth, and creamy.
How should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions before adding ham.
Is this a heart-healthy dish?
With 10g of fat and white cheddar, it is described more as a heartfelt homage to classic comfort food.
Can this be served immediately after mixing?
While it can be mixed and served, baking it for 15-20 minutes adds a golden, bubbly finish.