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cheese and macaroni with ham

(1 RATING)
135 Pinches 30 Photos
Sara_Andrea avatar
Eugene, OR
Updated on Feb 25, 2026

Mmmm cheesy!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This homemade mac and cheese is decadent and creamy. We loved the addition of cream cheese. It adds a slight tang and makes the macaroni super creamy. A step up from your normal mac and cheese. With chunks of ham and a bread crumb topping, it's creamy, crunchy, savory, and satisfying. Perfect as an entree or side dish. If you have leftover holiday ham, substitute that for the ham steak.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 30 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 8 ounces ham steak, precooked and cubed
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley

How To Make cheese and macaroni with ham

  • Boil the macaroni until al dente.
    Step 1
    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cook macaroni.
  • Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a saucepan.
    Step 2
    Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a large saucepan.
  • Whisk in flour until smooth.
    Step 3
    Stir in flour until smooth.
  • Add milk and stir until bubbly.
    Step 4
    Add milk, stir constantly until bubbly.
  • Add cream cheese.
    Step 5
    Add cream cheese.
  • Stir in salt, pepper, and mustard.
    Step 6
    After melted, stir in salt, pepper, and mustard.
  • Add cheddar cheese and stir.
    Step 7
    Add cheddar.
  • Stir and remove from heat.
    Step 8
    Stir. Remove from heat.
  • Combine pasta, ham, and cheese sauce.
    Step 9
    Combine pasta, ham, and sauce.
  • Add to a baking dish.
    Step 10
    Add to baking dish.
  • Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet.
    Step 11
    In a separate small pan, melt 2 Tbsp butter.
  • Add bread crumbs and parsley.
    Step 12
    Add bread crumbs and parsley.
  • Toss until coated.
    Step 13
    Toss until bread crumbs and parsley are coated in melted butter.
  • Sprinkle over the macaroni.
    Step 14
    Sprinkle over macaroni.
  • Bake 15 - 20 minutes until golden brown.
    Step 15
    Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 560kcal, carbohydrates: 44g, cholesterol: 100mg, fat: 32g, fiber: 2g, protein: 23g, saturated fat: 18g, sodium: 961mg, sugar: 6g, unsaturated fat: 14g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Keyword: #ham
Ingredient: Pasta
Method: Bake
Culture: American
Category: Casseroles
Collection: Christmas 2.0

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