Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup cooked cubed ham
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese ( grated)
pepper, to taste
Directions:
Begin the cooking process of the macaroni- according to package directions; Add cubed ham (to warm) during the final minute or so of cooking the macaroni; Drain and set aside.
While water is heating and macaroni is cooking, make your White Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; add Flour and Salt, and cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Stir the Milk into the mixture and bring to a boil.
Stirring constantly, boil mixture for 1 minute.
Lower heat and cook until thickened, stirring regularly about 4-6 minutes.
(Don’t forget to add the ham to the macaroni as it is cooking!).
Remove White Sauce from heat; Add cheese; stir until melted; Pepper to taste.
Combine cheese sauce with the macaroni and ham in a bowl (or the macaroni pot); stir well.
Serve with a yummy green vegetable on the side like green beans or asparagus.
Enjoy!
CHEF’S NOTES: You may use Medium/Mild Cheddar or maybe even PepperJack with this recipe as well; I would add a little”kick” with the milder cheeses by adding a clove of minced garlic, or by using salami pieces instead of ham- Yum!
Servings: 4
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 25 min.