Ham and Cheese Casserole

This recipe starts out based on Cook's Country's macaroni and cheese casserole with some minor changes, such as adding ham. I dress it up a bit with some thyme and chicken broth, too. The whole point is to use up those bits of ham left over from your holiday meals. Although it’s already cooked, I like to brown the ham first just to get a little more flavor into the casserole. Happy eating!




Hmm...we seem to be missing chicken broth, an onion, and salt and pepper. Guess they're camera shy.

Cook the pasta.

Mix American cheese and corn starch.

Brown bread crumbs.

Brown ham.

Saute onions.

Add spices to onions.

Add milk and chicken broth.

Add American cheese.

Add beaten eggs.

Add ham, Worcestershire and pasta.

Pour into 8 x 8 casserole dish.

Sprinkle on cheese...

...and bread crumbs.

 Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 8 ounces American cheese, grated (2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup panko or regular unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1½ cups diced ham
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add macaroni and 1 tablespoon salt; cook for 5 minutes and drain; set aside.

Toss American cheese with cornstarch; set aside.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in saucepan on medium low. Add bread crumbs and cook until golden; set aside.

Wipe out saucepan. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in saucepan. On medium heat, brown diced ham lightly; set aside.

Wipe out saucepan. Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in saucepan. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly about 1 minute. Whisk in broth and half-and-half and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until thickened.

Remove sauce from heat and whisk in American cheese-cornstarch until melted. Whisk in eggs, ham, and Worcestershire. Stir in pasta. Pour into 8 x 8 baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. Bake 20-25 minutes. Let set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pasta: 5 minutes isn't long enough to cook it al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Cheese: Buy American cheese in a block and grate it. Don't use those awful artificial slices!