Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Ingredients :

Pasta

16 oz macaroni pasta

Ham

8 oz thick cut ham, chopped

1 tbl butter

Breadcrumb topping

2 tbl butter

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Cheese Sauce

2 tbl butter

2 tbl flour

3 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp red pepper

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

10 oz sharp cheddar cheese

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add in the pasta and cook for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Drain and set the pasta aside.

In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and your diced ham. Cook over medium high heat until the meat is warmed through and has some color to it. Set aside.

In a small saucepan (or the cleaned out frying pan), add in 2 tablespoons of butter and once melted, add in 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs. Stir to combine and set aside.

While your pasta is cooking, melt your butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Once melted, add your flour and whisk to combine.

Pour in your milk and while continuing to whisk, bring to a low boil.

Add in your seasonings and continue to stir.

Remove from the heat and whisk in your cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

Whisk to combine and once all the cheese is melted, check for seasoning and flavor.

Combine the pasta, ham and the cheese and pour into a 9x9 baking pan.

Sprinkle with the buttered breadcrumbs and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let set for 10 minutes before serving.