Easy Homemade Mac 'n Cheese

Ham and Cheese Bowties
AllRecipes

I found this recipe while looking for a way to use up some leftover ham. It's an easy and great homemade mac and cheese with added protein. The kids ate it well and I thought it had a nice flavor and texture. You could easily add a veggie as well, such as broccoli or shredded zucchini or use bacon in place of the ham.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces farfalle (bow tie) pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard (I omitted the mustard and added a little more s & p to taste)
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese (I used medium cheddar)
4 ounces cooked ham, julienned
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or
until al dente; drain.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Saute garlic 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until smooth. Pour in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Stir in mustard and Colby. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and stir in pasta and ham.
4. Pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan. (I also topped the casserole with a little shredded cheddar and bread crumbs along with the Parmesan cheese. This gave it a nice crunchy topping.)
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.