Dinner

Christmas Mac and Cheese: 7 Irresistible Ways Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

Introduction

This Christmas Mac and Cheese is a festive twist on a classic comfort dish, packed with melty cheese, savory ham, and sweet peas. It’s creamy, flavorful, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect crunch. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family gatherings.

A close-up view of a baked pasta dish in a clear glass rectangular dish with a white marbled surface underneath. The dish has three visible layers: at the bottom, creamy light yellow sauce coats pale yellow elbow macaroni pasta mixed with bright green peas and small pink cubes of ham; the middle layer is thick and creamy, blending smoothly with the pasta; the top layer is golden-brown toasted breadcrumbs with green herbs sprinkled evenly, creating a crunchy texture over the soft pasta underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cooked diced ham
1/2 cup cooked green peas

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 4: Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 6: Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, then remove from heat and mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 8: Fold the cooked macaroni, ham, and peas into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
Step 9: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream before baking.
Swap ham for cooked bacon or cooked sausage for a different savory twist.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an extra crunchy topping.
Mix in cooked spinach or roasted red peppers to boost the veggie content.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispness, or microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.