Description

This hearty macaroni and cheese with ham is an easy dish to prepare, and it works well as a great-tasting everyday weeknight meal, but it also pleases as a special-occasion dish or potluck casserole.

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Heat the oven to 350 F.
3. Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter or spray the dish with cooking spray.
4. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water following the package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
5. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and flour, and whisk to blend thoroughly. Stir in the salt, onion powder, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the chopped ham, green onions, if using, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted; remove from the heat.
6. Add the drained macaroni to the sauce; stir until well blended.
7. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until all of the breadcrumbs are thoroughly moistened.
8. Spoon the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese and then sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is browned and the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.