Macaroni and cheese of all varieties is the hands down fave in our multigenerational house, and here’s a way to add some protein to the mix and still come out of the kitchen looking like a champ.
This is also the perfect dish to whip up if you are making dinner to drop off with someone. We recently had a couple of friends with new babies, and they looked all kinds of happy to see this supper on their doorstep.
(Of course that means I immediately need to make it in our house as well, because the utter sadness of seeing creamy ham macaroni and cheese happening and then going to someone else’s house is too much to bear.)
Here’s how to make creamy ham macaroni and cheese!
Cook 8 ounces of short pasta according to package directions and drain. Short pasta can be anything from campanelle (my fave!) to bow-ties to good old elbow macaroni. You be you, short-pasta-wise.
While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in a quarter cup of flour and a quarter teaspoon of pepper until smooth. Whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a boil.
Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted, then stir in the cooked pasta and ham.
More tips for making creamy ham macaroni and cheese!
You bet! Sometimes I add about 9 ounces of baby spinach to the pasta water right before the pasta is done – it cooks up in a flash! Baby peas or cooked broccoli would also be a great veggie add-in – just stir them in at the end.
Yep! Just reheat it in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
You want nice chunks of ham (not thin-sliced). Leftover ham will work great, and I also love a boneless cooked ham steak, which you can usually find near the bacon in your supermarket.
Ladle into soup bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan (this is optional but so good!) and serve!
Comfort food deliciousness TO THE MAX! Good old macaroni and cheese…it never lets us down.
OTHER MAC AND CHEESE RECIPES WE LOVE!
 Pasta, cheese and veggies cook in one pot in this easy recipe for vegetable macaroni and cheese! |
 This fun recipe for cheeseburger macaroni and cheese is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser! Two great supper tastes in one bowl. |
 Looking for easy, dreamy creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese that doesn’t require any time in the oven? Here’s your recipe! (And your kids’ favorite.) |
Want to round out your meal? This recipe pairs well with...
Creamy Ham Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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Pin RecipeDescription
This speedy, kid-friendly recipe for macaroni ham and cheese adds some protein to everyone’s favorite comfort food supper!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (campanelle, bow-ties, penne)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces cubed cooked ham
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in a quarter cup of flour and a quarter teaspoon of pepper until smooth. Whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a boil.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and ham.
- Ladle into soup bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve!
Notes
Need to add something to your kitchen equipment to make this recipe? Below are some of the items we used in the Framed Cooks kitchen to help cook this up. These are affiliate links to things we use and love, which helps to pay for all that bacon I keep buying (without any extra cost to you)! Thanks for using them to keep our kitchen cooking…xoxo!
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