Dinner Mac and Cheese

Health score
17%
Dinner Mac and Cheese
60 min.
8
717kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Dinner Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to please the whole family. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the rich flavors of sharp Cheddar and white Cheddar cheeses with the heartiness of chopped cooked ham and an array of roasted vegetables, making it a satisfying main course or a delectable side dish.

Ready in just 60 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The unique corkscrew-shaped cellentani pasta holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Topped with a crunchy layer of buttery cracker crumbs, this mac and cheese offers a delightful contrast in textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re serving it as a comforting lunch or a show-stopping main dish at your next dinner party, this Dinner Mac and Cheese is versatile enough to fit any occasion. With a caloric breakdown that balances protein, fat, and carbs, you can enjoy this dish without the guilt. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a cheesy masterpiece that will warm hearts and fill bellies!

Ingredients

  • tablespoons butter melted
  • tablespoons butter 
  • 1.3 cups round buttery crackers crushed
  • cups finely-chopped ham cooked chopped
  • oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
  • cups milk 
  • 16 oz soup noodles uncooked (corkscrew)
  • cups savory vegetable assorted coarsely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded white

Equipment

  • oven
  • whisk
  • baking pan
  • dutch oven

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 40
  2. Prepare cellentani pasta according to package directions.
  3. Meanwhile, melt 3 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  4. Whisk in 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese and next 3 ingredients until smooth.
  5. Remove from heat, and stir in ham, vegetables, and hot cooked pasta.
  6. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Stir together crushed cracker crumbs and 2 Tbsp. melted butter; sprinkle over pasta mixture.
  7. Bake at 400 for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  8. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories717kcal
Protein17.58%
Fat46.3%
Carbs36.12%

Properties

Glycemic Index
47.63
Glycemic Load
23.77
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
26.033913135529%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:717.47kcal
35.87%
Fat:36.98g
56.9%
Saturated Fat:19.64g
122.74%
Carbohydrates:64.9g
21.63%
Net Carbohydrates:60.94g
22.16%
Sugar:8.72g
9.69%
Cholesterol:114.42mg
38.14%
Sodium:1039.65mg
45.2%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:31.6g
63.2%
Selenium:60.72µg
86.75%
Vitamin A:3366.68IU
67.33%
Phosphorus:610.23mg
61.02%
Calcium:553.32mg
55.33%
Manganese:0.73mg
36.64%
Vitamin B2:0.6mg
35.21%
Vitamin B1:0.41mg
27.6%
Zinc:4.1mg
27.34%
Vitamin B12:1.62µg
27.02%
Magnesium:78.71mg
19.68%
Vitamin B3:3.39mg
16.96%
Vitamin B6:0.32mg
15.94%
Potassium:554.98mg
15.86%
Fiber:3.96g
15.82%
Copper:0.28mg
13.76%
Vitamin C:11.31mg
13.71%
Vitamin B5:1.35mg
13.47%
Folate:49.78µg
12.45%
Iron:2.1mg
11.69%
Vitamin D:1.64µg
10.93%
Vitamin E:1.12mg
7.46%
Vitamin K:7.15µg
6.81%