Nothing pairs better with creamy mac and cheese than country ham, and this delicious recipe combines both for the perfect indulgent side dish or dinner.
Country Ham Mac and Cheese
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped country ham
- 1⁄2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄2 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ham, onion, and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir 1⁄2 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, and lemon zest into sauce until cheese is melted. Stir in ham mixture and macaroni. Sprinkle remaining 1⁄2 cup Parmesan onto servings.
