12 Weeks of Mac N Cheese - Week 5 (Alfredo Ham Mac N Cheese)

This week's Mac N Cheese is an Alfredo version.  We also added meat to this one.  We don't always do that, but sometimes it helps to get kids to eat their protein too.  Especially those who just want Mac N Cheese all the time (we have one of those!!!).

Adding ham was an easy addition, although you probably could have added chicken or even hot dogs if you prefer.  We went with ham, because our Mac N Cheese lover actually loves ham!

Ingredients:

• Pinch of Kosher Salt
• 12 oz Shell Pasta
• 1 clove Garlic (smashed)
• 1 tbsp butter 
• 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Milk
• Pinch of Ground Pepper
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
• 1/2 cup White Cheddar Cheese (grated)
• 1 cup of cubed Ham
• 1/8 cup of mix of two cheese above to top at end

Directions:

1.  Bring a pot of salted (kosher salt) water to boil. 

2.  Add pasta and cook until al dente (meaning just before done...I like mine almost done)

3.  Meanwhile rub a large skillet with smashed garlic clove and then discard the garlic.

4.  Add butter and melt over a low heat.

5.  Add cream, milk, salt and pepper and continue on a low-medium heat until boiling.  Stirring often.

6.  Let boil slowly for 5 mins while stirring to reduce about 1/3.  

7.  Remove from heat.

8.  Add Parmesan and Cheddar Cheeses and stir until melted.

9.  Add pasta and ham and stir together.  Preheat oven to 350

10.  Place either in a large baking dish (or we used individual size cast iron skillets for next step)

11. Top with remaining shredded cheese.  

12.  Bake in oven about 5-8 minutes to just melt cheese on top.

If you enjoyed this version, please check out the other Mac N Cheese editions here...

12 Weeks of Mac N Cheese

EnJoY!

I usually link up at these Link Parties....HERE!!!