Name: Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-497159H37M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. uncooked cellentani (corkscrew) pasta; 2 Tbsp. butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups fat-free milk; 1 (12-oz.) can fat-free evaporated milk; 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded smoked Gouda cheese; 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded 1.5% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese; 3 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper, divided; 1 (8-oz.) package chopped smoked ham; Vegetable cooking spray; 1 1/4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed; 1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that elevates everyday Mac and Cheese to something spectacular, this Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe will be your new go-to. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with smoky ham, it updates the classic mac and cheese with a delightful twist. Whether you’re feeding a family or inviting friends over, this dish promises a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various bowls filled with ingredients for a recipe, all placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large glass bowl of uncooked elbow macaroni with a yellowish color. To its right is a smaller glass bowl with shredded bright orange cheese. Above these, a large glass measuring cup holds white milk. Below the macaroni, a medium glass bowl contains small pink cubes of ham. Near the center, a small glass bowl holds white cream cheese. Next to it, a small glass bowl is filled with crushed beige cornflakes. To the right of that is another medium glass bowl with shredded white cheese. There is also a small glass jar with white salt, a small glass bowl with a little red paprika powder, and two small sticks of pale yellow butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet well-chosen ingredients that together create a rich, creamy texture and a symphony of flavors. Each component plays its part – from the tender pasta to the smoked Gouda that brings a subtle smoky depth.

1 lb. uncooked cellentani (corkscrew) pasta: The spiral shape traps sauce beautifully for maximum cheesiness in every bite.
2 Tbsp. butter: Adds richness to the roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating a silky smooth cheese sauce base.
3 cups fat-free milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without extra heaviness.
1 (12-oz.) can fat-free evaporated milk: Boosts creaminess and adds a touch of sweetness.
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese: Offers a smoky, nutty flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
1/2 cup shredded 1.5% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese: Classic sharpness balances the cheese blend.
3 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and a velvety texture to the sauce.
1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper, divided: A hint of warm spice to awaken the taste buds.
1 (8-oz.) package chopped smoked ham: Brings savory, meaty goodness with a delightful smoky note.
Vegetable cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
1 1/4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed: Provides a satisfyingly crispy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
1 Tbsp. butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds golden color.

How to Make Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, cook the cellentani pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This ensures a tender bite that still holds its shape when baked in the cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Make a Roux

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This roux is the backbone of your cheese sauce, giving it that luscious thickness you want in every spoonful.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the fat-free milk and evaporated milk until your mixture is silky smooth. Keep whisking for 8 to 10 minutes as it thickens gently. Then stir in the shredded smoked Gouda, reduced-fat sharp Cheddar, softened cream cheese, salt, and half of the ground red pepper. Each addition transforms the sauce into a rich, silky dream infused with layers of smoky, sharp, and creamy notes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Ham

Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the chopped smoked ham, followed by your cooked pasta. This step ensures every piece of pasta is lovingly coated and studded with savory ham chunks, turning a simple mac and cheese into a hearty meal.

Step 5: Add to Baking Dish and Prepare Topping

Transfer the cheesy pasta and ham mix into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish sprayed with vegetable cooking spray. Next, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter and the remaining red pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top to create an irresistible crunchy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a beautiful golden brown, bubbling merrily, and filled with enticing aromas. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up just right.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe

The image shows a baked macaroni dish in a white rectangular baking tray filled with curly macaroni pasta. The top layer is a golden-brown crunchy topping with uneven crumbs spread thickly over the macaroni. The macaroni underneath has a creamy, light yellow color and peeks through the crispy topping in some spots. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded blue cloth napkin with white stripes on the left side, holding two forks with dark brown handles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. A dash of extra cracked black pepper can also add a subtle kick, making every bite even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This hearty Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness and crunch from the sides balance the creamy richness perfectly, making your meal feel complete without heaviness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family or party presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins with an extra sprinkle of cornflake topping. Alternatively, layer the dish into a trifle-style glass for a surprisingly elegant visual twist on a comfort food favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Freezing

If you want to store the dish longer, it freezes beautifully. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. To protect the crunchy topping, consider adding the cornflake topping fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For that crispy topping, uncover in the last 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works too, though the topping may lose its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cellentani pasta works wonderfully due to its shape, other sturdy shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne will also hold the sauce beautifully.

What can I substitute for smoked Gouda if I can’t find it?

You can use smoked mozzarella or a mild smoked cheddar as alternatives. These cheeses will maintain that lovely smoky element, though the texture might vary slightly.

Is it okay to use regular milk instead of fat-free milk?

Yes, whole milk or 2% milk can be used if you want a richer dish. The fat content influences creaminess, so feel free to adjust based on your preference.

How spicy is this recipe with the ground red pepper included?

The red pepper adds just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder version.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the ham and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian twist, keeping the rest of the recipe intact for that creamy mac and cheese comfort.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Mac and Cheese with Ham Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary mac and cheese. The combination of smoky ham, luscious cheese sauce, and crispy cornflake topping makes every bite pure joy. Don’t hesitate to make it your new family favorite or a show-stopping side for any gathering — it’s truly comfort food at its best!