Hearty Ham Mac and Cheese

Name: Hearty Ham Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10 servings.
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 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 shredded Colby cheese; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 3 cups cubed fully cooked ham (1/2-in. cubes)

Kids—and adults—can'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. —Jennifer 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 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 shredded Colby cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3 cups cubed fully cooked ham (1/2-in. cubes)

Directions

Grease a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish: set aside.
For bread crumbs, pulse bread and cold butter in a food processor until crumbs are fine, about 20-25 pulses; set aside.
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 milk. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until mixture begins to thicken.
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.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Originally published as Classic Ham & Mac & Cheese in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2012