Macaroni And Cheese With Ham Recipe

Experience pure comfort food bliss with this elevated macaroni and cheese recipe, inspired by the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese! Rich, creamy, and bursting with salty ham flavor, this decadent dish (as featured in Bon Appetit) is the ultimate in gourmet comfort. The secret? Perfectly roasted garlic and a slow-simmered cheese sauce that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a taste of Boston luxury!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 85 mins
Calories 899.3 kcal
Protein 72g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Macaroni And Cheese With Ham 31

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Macaroni And Cheese With Ham

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How to Make Macaroni And Cheese With Ham

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut 1/4 inch off the top of 1 head of garlic to expose the cloves.
  2. Place garlic, cut-side up, on a sheet of foil.
  3. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Wrap tightly with foil.
  6. Bake until the skin is golden brown and cloves are tender, about 55 minutes.
  7. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
  8. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  9. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.
  10. Whisk in 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, zest of 1 lemon, and the roasted garlic cloves.
  11. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced to 2 3/4 cups, about 30 minutes.
  12. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  13. Meanwhile, cook 1 pound elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  14. Drain the pasta well.
  15. In a large bowl, combine the cheese sauce, cooked pasta, 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  16. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Remember to taste *after* combining all ingredients!)
  17. Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. (Optional: Top with bread crumbs and extra cheese.)
  18. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

42 g

Sugar

26g

Fat

153g

Carbs

22g

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