Description
This Christmas Mac and Cheese recipe elevates the classic comfort dish with savory ham and sweet green peas, baked to a golden, crispy perfection. Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it’s a festive twist perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Add-ins and Topping
- 1/2 cup cooked diced ham
- 1/2 cup cooked green peas
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Spices: Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens into a smooth béchamel.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and green peas into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving your festive, rich Christmas mac and cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the diced ham or substitute with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce or substitute with lactose-free milk if needed.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some paprika or nutmeg into the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumb topping can be mixed with a little melted butter for a richer crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, holiday recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, ham and peas mac and cheese
