Blue Mac & Cheese with Ham
Ingredients
- 1 lb. small pasta noodle
- 2 cups ham, sliced into chunks
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 5 tbsp. flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup ½ & ½
Preparation
- Boil noodle to 2 minutes less than recommended for al dente
- Meanwhile in large skillet melt butter, flour, and spices and make a roux
- Stir for a few minutes until combined
- Slowly add milk until incorporated, then add ½ & ½ stir until thickened
- Remove from heat add gruyere until melted, then cheddar, reserving ½ cup
- Add blue cheese until melted, then add cooked pasta and ham
- Stir until everything is coated with the cheese mixture
- Place in prepared 9 x 13 pan, scatter remaining cheddar over the top of and bake in 350° oven for 20-30 minutes until bubble and cheese is golden
- If crustier top is desired, place under broiler for 5 minutes
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving