Cheesy ham & macaroni bake

It is a great meal served by itself or as a side dish to accompany chicken.

Serves 5

• 250g macaroni
• 50g butter
• 4 Tbspn plain flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup cream
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheese
• 100g ham, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• spray oil

Step 1

Cook & drain macaroni according to packet instructions.  Set aside.   

Step 2

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add flour & salt & whisk until combined.  

Step 3

Pour in cream & 1 cup milk & bring to the boil.  Whisk until mixture thickens.

Step 4

Add cheese & remaining milk & whisk until cheese melts. Remove from heat.  

Step 5
In a large baking dish, combine macaroni, cheese sauce & ham.  Top with breadcrumbs.

Step 6
Cover & refrigerate until required.  To cook, preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.  Lightly spray top with oil & bake, uncovered for 40 mins or until golden.  If cooking immediately after preparing, reduce cooking time to 25 mins. 

Storage:
- Fridge, in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze, in container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge & add a little milk before reheating in microwave.    

This recipe & many more can be found in my cookbook 'Food before 5'. 

Purchase for $19.95 from www.foodbefore5.com.au.