Baked Mac and Cheese with Ham for the First Day of Christmas

Our Christmas Season continues until January 6th when we celebrate the Epiphany.  Until then, our decorations remain, the tree stays lit, and the feasting continues.  It is a joyous time of year.

Our feasting this week includes enjoying all the wonderful leftovers from our abundant Christmas Dinner. Tonight we enjoyed some leftover ham and leftover cheese from my cheese tray in a Macaroni and Cheese Casserole.  There was some Broccoli Slaw left to enjoy as a side dish.

Today was spent in the kitchen.  The ham bone was turned into Bean Soup.  The leftover Turkey has become a Pot Pie.  Both of these items will be served tomorrow when we continue our Christmas celebration with Frank's cousins.

The turkey carcass is now transformed into Turkey Frame Soup and will be served up with Club Sandwiches.  That should take care of the remaining leftovers but if not Friday will be a smorgasbord of whatever is still left.

I had leftover cheese from my charcuterie tray that I shredded using my food processor. This included cheddar, swiss, and gouda.  I also had a little bit of Boursin Cheese left that I included.  

You might want to use some of your leftover ham in this Mac and Cheese Casserole that I am sharing today.  It is also delicious in an Au Gratin Potato Casserole, Stuffed into Baked Potatoes, or in Quiche.

What do you like to make with your Christmas leftovers?

pasta, ham, leftovers, cheese

entrees, pasta

American

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Wendy Klik

Baked Mac and Cheese with Ham

This recipe is a great way to use up your Holiday leftovers. I used leftover cheese from my Charcuterie Tray and leftover ham to make this delicious, comforting meal.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• 1 lb. short pasta, I used a cavatelli
• 2 c. shredded cheese
• 1/4 c. Boursin cheese
• 3/4 c. light cream (1/2 and 1/2)
• 1/4 c. butter
• 1 c. leftover ham, cut into bite-size pieces
• salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika, if desired

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook to al dente as indicated on the package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta into a colander, do not rinse. Return the hot pot to the stove but do not put over heat. Add the cheese, butter, and cream to the hot pot and stir until it begins to melt.
3. Add the hot pasta back to the pot, season with pepper, and stir until cheese and butter are completely melted and coating the pasta. Stir in the ham.
4. Turn the pasta into a buttered casserole, sprinkle the top with paprika, if using, and place in a preheated 350* oven until hot and bubbly and slightly browned on top. About 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

645.96

Fat (grams)

34.42 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

19.89 g

Carbs (grams)

58.68 g

Fiber (grams)

2.54 g

Net carbs

56.14 g

Sugar (grams)

2.81 g

Protein (grams)

24.63 g

Sodium (milligrams)

680.29 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

107.66 mg

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