Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Crouton Topping Recipe

ingredients

1 pound small pasta such as macaroni or small penne
1 loaf ciabatta bread
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cups packed grated cheese, mix of cheddar, gruyere, swiss or other good melting cheeses
1 cup diced ham

directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. When water is boiling add pasta and cooked according to package directions for al dente.

Meanwhile slice ciabatta in 1/2-inch slice in then into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch cubes. Toss bread with olive oil, some salt and pepper. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in oven for about 10 minutes, tossing once during cooking, until toasted.

While pasta is cooking and bread toasting, make the cheese sauce. In a medium pot melt butter over low heat. Add flour and whisk to get lumps out. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until bubbly. Whisk in mustard, paprika, cayenne, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add milk and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until slight bubbly and mixture has thickened, whisking constantly. Stir in cheese, whisking until smooth and melted.

Drain pasta thoroughly once cooked. Stir pasta into cheese sauce along with diced ham. Cook for another two minutes to reheat pasta and coat all ingredients thoroughly in sauce.

To serve, dish up a large portion of pasta and top with a handful of croutons.

nutrition data

Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.