A comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ham cubes, and a golden cheesy topping—perfect for cozy dinners or hearty leftovers. This homestyle recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ham and Macaroni is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. It’s a great way to use leftover ham, and its creamy cheese sauce and crispy baked topping make it a crowd favorite. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, offering warmth, flavor, and easy customization. The combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a classic béchamel base makes this comfort food at its finest.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or two mini serving pans.
2. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes until it starts to bubble.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
6. Add the cheddar cheese and half of the parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and diced ham to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Extra Cheese: Add a layer of mozzarella or Gruyère on top for added meltiness.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in peas, broccoli florets, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a crisp finish.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, shells, rotini, or penne can be used instead of elbow macaroni.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives better texture in the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with children.

What kind of ham works best?

Any cooked ham works well, including leftover baked ham, deli ham, or ham steak.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Can I make this dish without baking?

Yes, serve it straight from the stovetop after mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, although baking adds a nice golden finish.

What milk is best for the sauce?

Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but 2% milk can also be used without sacrificing too much richness.

How can I make the top crispier?

Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or more parmesan and broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled cooked sausage for a heartier dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ham and Macaroni is a satisfying and versatile comfort food that brings together creamy cheese, savory ham, and perfectly baked pasta. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a creative use for leftover ham, or a freezer-friendly meal option, this recipe delivers every time. Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s a dependable dish the whole family will love.

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   Cheesy Baked Ham and Macaroni

   

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   Un plat de pâtes au four réconfortant et crémeux composé de tendres macaronis coudés, de cubes de jambon savoureux et d’une garniture au fromage doré, parfait pour des dîners chaleureux ou des restes copieux.

   • Author: Djihane
   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings
   • Category: Main Course
   • Method: Baking
   • Cuisine: American
   • Diet: Halal

   Ingredients

   • 2 tasses de macaronis coudés
   • 1 1/2 tasse de jambon cuit, coupé en dés
   • 2 cuillères à soupe de beurre non salé
   • 2 cuillères à soupe de farine tout usage
   • 2 tasses de lait (entier ou 2%)
   • 1 1/2 tasse de fromage cheddar fort râpé
   • 1/2 tasse de parmesan râpé
   • 1/4 cuillère à café de poudre d’ail
   • 1/4 cuillère à café de poivre noir
   • Sel au goût
   • Facultatif : persil haché pour la garniture

   Instructions

   1. Préchauffer le four à 190 °C. Graisser légèrement un plat allant au four ou deux mini-moules.
   2. Cuire les macaronis dans de l’eau salée jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient al dente. Égoutter et réserver.
   3. Dans une casserole, faire fondre le beurre à feu moyen. Incorporer la farine en fouettant pour former un roux et cuire 1 à 2 minutes.
   4. Versez progressivement le lait en fouettant et laissez mijoter jusqu’à ce qu’il épaississe légèrement, environ 3 à 4 minutes.
   5. Incorporez l’ail en poudre, le poivre et une pincée de sel. Ajoutez le cheddar et la moitié du parmesan, en remuant jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient fondus.
   6. Ajoutez les macaronis cuits et le jambon coupé en dés à la sauce. Mélangez jusqu’à ce que le tout soit bien enrobé.
   7. Verser dans le(s) plat(s) de cuisson préparé(s), saupoudrer du reste de parmesan.
   8. Cuire au four pendant 20 à 25 minutes ou jusqu’à ce que le mélange soit doré et bouillonnant. Garnir de persil si désiré.

   Notes

   • Utilisez les restes de jambon des fêtes ou de jambon de charcuterie pour plus de commodité.
   • Essayez d’ajouter des pois ou du brocoli pour plus de couleur et de nutrition.
   • Peut être préparé à l’avance et réfrigéré avant la cuisson.
   • Remplacez le cheddar par du gouda ou du gruyère pour un profil de saveur différent.

   Nutrition

   • Serving Size: 1 serving
   • Calories: 480
   • Sugar: 5g
   • Sodium: 680mg
   • Fat: 25g
   • Saturated Fat: 13g
   • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
   • Trans Fat: 0g
   • Carbohydrates: 38g
   • Fiber: 2g
   • Protein: 26g
   • Cholesterol: 75mg

   Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, ham and cheese pasta, cheesy ham bake, macaroni casserole, comfort food pasta