Gouda Ham & Broccoli Baked Mac

This isn't your average mac-n-cheese - rich, nutty flavor of Gouda, savory ham, tender broccoli, and a crunchy, cheesy topping. It's a crowd-pleaser that's both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated.

A Cheesy Symphony: The Star Ingredients

Gouda cheese is the star of this mac-n-cheese, providing a smooth, creamy texture and a distinctive flavor that's both mild and complex. The addition of ham adds a salty, savory note, while broccoli provides a touch of freshness and a welcome textural contrast. The crispy topping, made with breadcrumbs, aged white cheddar, and bacon bits, takes this dish to the next level, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

I never said I had to have everything complicated. And that hold especially true for this dish which I honestly based on the now defunct Ham, Broccoli, and Cheese hotpocket. Seemingly deconstructed into a mac and cheese dish that elevates the smoky flavor and enhances the ham by using the right cheese. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I'll use a blend that incorporates white and sharp cheddars into the mix to help balance the entire thing out. But if you're not feeling that, this is a straight forward dish that is sure to please even kids as long as you don't season the hell out of it. I found this out the hard way.

I enjoy baking these but if you have some panko breadcrumbs handy and bake them ahead of time, or some other already-ready-to-rock crunchy topping (I love throwing crispy jalepenos and onions over top of mine), you can skip the baking process entirely.

The good news is, it's hard to screw this dish up and easily modified to your liking. Bask in the simplicity- things usually get more complicated from here. (We're making boba at home over here!)

Tips for Mac-n-Cheese Perfection

• Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Make a smooth cheese sauce: Use a roux (butter and flour) as the base for your cheese sauce to ensure it's creamy and lump-free.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. ¹   
• Don't skip the topping: The crispy topping is what sets this mac-n-cheese apart. Don't skimp on the breadcrumbs, cheese, or bacon!

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 8 ounces Gouda cheese, grated

• 1 cup cubed cooked ham

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated aged white cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large saucepan
• 9x13 inch baking dish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and Gouda cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine: Stir the cooked macaroni, ham, and sautéed vegetables into the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, aged white cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Drizzle with the melted butter and toss to combine.
6. Top and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac-n-cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

    This Gouda mac-n-cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy Gouda, savory ham, tender broccoli, and a crispy, cheesy topping is sure to be a hit!