From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
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Mac and Cheese with Ham
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Instructions
1
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Preheat oven 350℉.
2
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Prepare pasta according to the directions, drain and transfer pasta into a casserole dish prepared with nonstick spray.
3
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While the pasta is cooking dice the ham and set it aside.
4
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In a sauce pan, melt butter and then add flour, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and whisk together for two minutes.
5
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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.
6
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Pour sauce over the cooked pasta, (give it a stir to make sure the sauce it evenly distributed).
7
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Top with remaining cheese.
8
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Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Your Pasta Water 💧Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid gold creates a silky sauce and helps the cheese coat evenly without becoming grainy or separating.
- Make a Proper Roux Base 🥄Cook your butter and flour together for 2-3 minutes over medium heat to eliminate the raw flour taste, creating a stable foundation for your cheese sauce that won't break.
- Dice Ham Into Varied Sizes 🍖Cut some ham into small cubes for even distribution and some into larger chunks—this creates textural interest and ensures ham flavor in every bite without overwhelming individual spoonfuls.
- Add Cheese Gradually Off-Heat 🧀Remove the pan from heat before adding shredded sharp cheddar, then stir slowly—this prevents the cheese from overheating and becoming stringy or oily while ensuring maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Season in Layers 🌶️Add dry mustard and garlic powder to your roux before the cheese, then taste and adjust after combining everything—layering seasonings deepens flavors and prevents the need for excessive salt at the end.
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About the Cook
Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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