Ham and 3 Cheese Macaroni

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If you are in need of a little comfort food try this rich cheesy side. And if you want a meatless bowl of Mac and cheese simply omit the ham.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup fully cooked ham or turkey ham
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Fontina cheese, shredded
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoon butter, melted

    Instructions:

    Cook macaroni al dente, drain. In a baking dish combine macaroni and ham. To make the sauce melt butter in microwave and stir in flour until combined. Heat milk in saucepan and whip in flour mixture,add salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat until thickened. Add cheddar and fontina cheeses and stir until melted. Pour sauce over macaroni. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter; sprinkle over macaroni. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue to cook until crumbs are lightly browned.

    Cooking Wiser:
    Use 2% milk and add 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme to enhance flavor. Add the thyme with the salt and pepper to the sauce.

    Make it your own by changing cheeses. Use Pepper Jack, herbed cheese or even pimento cheese (if using only pimento cheese add 1 cup or use 1/2 cup with other cheeses)