Name: Mac and Cheese with Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups ham; 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp dry mustard; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 2 tablespoons butter; 2.5 cups milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar

This Mac and Cheese with Ham is creamy and the perfect family meal. My son runs to the table when we are having this meal. Imagine your favorite macaroni and cheese but with the addition of ham. It takes it to the next flavor level a perfect use for leftovers.

Dinner

45 m

American

It is a Keeper

March 17, 2026

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From the Cook

1/4

Mac and Cheese with Ham

It is a Keeper Verified

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat oven 350℉.

Prepare pasta according to the directions, drain and transfer pasta into a casserole dish prepared with nonstick spray.

While the pasta is cooking dice the ham and set it aside.

In a sauce pan, melt butter and then add flour, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and whisk together for two minutes.

Slowly add milk to saucepan and whisk frequently until smooth. When mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps, remove the pot from heat and add in ham and cheese stirring until combined and the cheese is melted.

Pour sauce over the cooked pasta, (give it a stir to make sure the sauce it evenly distributed).

Top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Video Tutorial

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Toast Your Pasta 🍝
Lightly toast the dry elbow macaroni in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before boiling to add a subtle nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
Make a Proper Roux 🧈
Cook your butter and flour together for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly before adding milk to eliminate raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free sauce.
Layer Your Cheese 🧀
Reserve half your sharp cheddar and stir it in off-heat after removing from the stove to prevent overcooking, then fold in the remaining cheese for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
Dice Ham Into Multiple Sizes 🍖
Cut some ham into small cubes for even distribution and some into larger chunks so you get concentrated pockets of smoky, salty flavor throughout each bite.
Bloom Your Seasonings 🌟
Whisk the garlic powder and dry mustard into your hot roux for 30 seconds before adding milk to fully activate and distribute their flavors throughout the sauce.