Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Recipe

Name: Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head garlic (yes I mean one head); 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil; 2 large shallots, minced; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups whipping cream; ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; ⅛ teaspoon finely grated lemon, rind of; 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 lb ditalini or 1 lb conchiglie; 8 ounces westphalian ham or 8 ounces black forest ham, cut into 1/4 inch pieces (about 2 cups); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Servings: persons

1 head garlic (yes I mean one head)
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
2 large shallots, minced
2 cups whole milk
2 cups whipping cream
½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
⅛ teaspoon finely grated lemon, rind of
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lb ditalini or 1 lb conchiglie
8 ounces westphalian ham or 8 ounces black forest ham, cut into 1/4 inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1
Preheat oven to 350*F Cut top 1/4 inch off head of garlic to expose cloves.
2
Place, cut side up on a sheet of foil.
3
Drizzle with 1/2 TBS oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4
Wrap with foil to enclose tightly.
5
Bake until skin is golden brown and cloves are tender, about 55 minutes.
6
Cool and squeezze cloves from skin.
7
Heat remaining 1 TBS oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
8
Add shallots; saute until tender, about 4 minutes.
9
Whisk in milk, cream, thyme, lemon peel and roasted garlic.
10
Simmer over medium heat until reduced to 2 3/4 cups, about 30 minutes.
11
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses gradually.
12
Meanwhile cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally.
13
Drain well.
14
Toss cheese sauce, pasta, ham and parsley in a large bowl.
15
SEason to taste with salt and pepper.

1209

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 head garlic (yes I mean one head), 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, 2 large shallots, minced, 2 cups whole milk, and more.

Yes, Macaroni and Cheese with Ham falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions