Macaroni, Ham and Cheese Casserole
This recipe is a variation of the well loved “mac&cheese” with a chopped ham and a crispy, cheesy topping that the kids are sure to love.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ltr. water
- 1 tbs. salt
- 230g elbow macaroni
- 60g butter
- 4 tbs. flour
- 500ml milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 230g cooked ham, diced
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tbs. grated onion
- 2 tbs. dried bread crumbs
- 30g melted butter
Method
- In a large pot, bring the water and the salt to a boil over a high heat. Pour in the macaroni into the boiling water and cook, uncovered briskly for about 20 minutes until the macaroni is tender. Drain the macaroni in a colander.
- Melt the butter over a moderate heat in a small saucepan. Add the flour and cook, stirring until the mixture foams and froths. Add the milk all at once and stir with a wire whisk until the sauce thickens into a smooth cream.Add the salt and cayenne, and simmer over a very low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the macaroni, diced ham, ¾ of the cheese and the grated onion.
- Preheat the oven to 180° C.
- Lightly butter a casserole dish and spoon in the macaroni mixture and spread the breadcrumbs, mixed with the remaining cheese and melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese and breadcrumb topping is lightly brown. Serves 4-6
