Hearty Ham Mac and Cheese |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 50 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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Kidsâand adultsâcan't seem to get enough of macaroni and cheese. In fact, I created this recipe for a friend and her family when she was ill. The addition of ham makes it a hearty, one-dish meal. âJennifer Nystrom, Morrow, Ohio Ingredients:
6 slices white bread |
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed |
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni |
6 tablespoons butter, cubed |
1 garlic clove, minced |
1 teaspoon water |
1 teaspoon ground mustard |
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
6 tablespoons king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth |
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk |
1 cup 2% milk |
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded colby cheese |
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper |
3 cups cubed fully cooked ham (1/2-in. cubes) |
Directions:
1. Grease a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish: set aside.
2. For bread crumbs, pulse bread and cold butter in a food processor until crumbs are fine, about 20-25 pulses; set aside.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the garlic, water, mustard and cayenne for 30 seconds. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually whisk in broth and milks. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until mixture begins to thicken.
4. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheeses, salt and pepper. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Fold in ham. Pour into prepared baking dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs.
5. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 10 servings.
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