Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, inspired by Pioneer Woman's classic recipe. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With perfectly al dente pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, each bite is a delicious symphony of flavors. The addition of savory ham elevates this dish, making it a hearty main course or a delightful side. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply curling up on the couch, this recipe guarantees no leftovers will be left behind. Customize it further with your favorite mix-ins and spices to make it your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
4 cups (dry)
egg
1 (beaten)
butter
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons, for melting)
flour
1/4 cup
whole milk
2 1/2 cups
dry mustard
2 teaspoons (to taste, heating teaspoons)
cheddar cheese
1 lb (grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
diced cooked ham
optional
Instructions
1
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just too firm to eat. Drain and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a large oval or rectangular baking dish.
3
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk together thoroughly.
4
Keep whisking the mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes a light golden color, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
5
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking until fully integrated and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Add the dry mustard and keep whisking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Reduce the heat to low.
7
To temper the beaten egg, slowly add 1/4 cup of the hot sauce into the egg while whisking constantly. Once fully mixed, pour the egg mixture back into the pot and stir until blended.
8
Gently fold in all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and seasoned salt as necessary, ensuring it's well seasoned.
9
Combine the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
10
If serving immediately, dish out the creamy macaroni and cheese now. For baked macaroni, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the reserved cheese.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
12
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Ham.
Who inspired this specific macaroni and cheese recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Pioneer Woman's classic macaroni and cheese.
How much macaroni do I need for this dish?
You will need 4 cups of dry macaroni.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much milk is required for the cheese sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of whole milk.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of grated cheddar cheese.
Do I need to add eggs to the cheese sauce?
Yes, the recipe requires one beaten egg.
How do I temper the egg for the sauce?
To temper the egg, slowly add 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce into the beaten egg while whisking constantly before adding it back into the pot.
Is the ham a mandatory ingredient?
No, the diced cooked ham is listed as an optional ingredient.
How long should I bake the macaroni and cheese?
Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The seasonings include dry mustard, salt, seasoning salt, and ground black pepper.
How long should I whisk the butter and flour mixture?
Whisk the butter and flour mixture for about 5 minutes until it reaches a light golden color.
Can this macaroni and cheese be served without baking?
Yes, if you prefer it extra creamy, you can serve it immediately after stirring the macaroni into the cheese sauce.
How much butter is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of butter.
How much dry mustard is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry mustard.
How much cheese should I reserve for the topping?
You should reserve 1/2 cup of the grated cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
What texture should the pasta be after boiling?
The macaroni should be cooked until it is just too firm to eat (al dente).
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A large oval or rectangular baking dish that has been generously buttered is recommended.
How much salt is suggested?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What color should the flour and butter mixture be before adding milk?
It should be a light golden color.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
How much ground black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How much seasoning salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
Should the milk be added all at once?
No, you should slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to ensure it is smooth.
What is the total amount of cheddar cheese used?
The recipe uses 1 pound of cheddar cheese in total.
At what point do you add the ham?
Though not explicitly detailed in the steps, optional ingredients like ham are typically folded in when combining the macaroni and cheese sauce.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just too firm to eat, then drain.
Does this recipe include a nutritional breakdown?
No, the provided data shows null values for calories, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutritional metrics.
How long do you whisk the sauce after adding the mustard?
You whisk for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.