Mac and Cheese with Ham

mac and cheese with sliced ham on serving spoon.

5 from 5 votes

This Mac and Cheese with ham recipe is an easy one pot meal and a delicious way to use up leftover ham. Simple comfort food the whole family will love and ready in 30 minutes!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Dee

Cost: $10

Ingredients

2 cups cooked ham cut into bite size pieces
4 cups chicken broth
16 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp ground black pepper
3 tablespoons butter divided
4 oz cream cheese
3 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
4 oz American Cheese about 4 slices

Instructions

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. add ham and cook until heated through. Remove to a plate, and cover to keep warm
In the same pot, bring chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat
Add the macaroni, and cook until just barely al dente, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally
Reduce heat to low or medium low, and stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Allow to simmer on low heat until pasta is done
Add the remaining tablespoons of butter and the cream cheese, and stir until melted
Stir in 1 cup of cheese at a time until cheese melts and cheese sauce is creamy
Add the mustard and ham, and stir until well combined

Video

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese.

I use sliced American cheese from the deli, which is about 4 slices or 4 ounces. You can use all cheddar, if you prefer.

You can sub water for the broth, but you may need to add more salt and pepper, to taste, before serving. If using deli ham, you can add a little paprika or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

I like to let the cream sit out at room temperature while I prep the ingredients so it's not to cold going into the sauce. This prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.

Nutrition