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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/country-ham-mac-and-cheese/