Name: Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini; 2 shallots, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups low-fat milk; 4 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated; 4 ounces gruyere, grated; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt, according to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup diced ham; 2 large crowns of broccoli, cut into florets

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese, with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Ham takes it up a notch by combining sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, and savory chunks of leftover holiday ham for a dish that’s both indulgent and practical.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

✔ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – A rich sauce made with Gruyere and sharp white cheddar for the perfect gooey mac and cheese.

✔ Savory & Smoky Flavor – Diced ham adds a salty depth, while roasted broccoli keeps it fresh.

✔ Great Use of Leftovers – The best way to use up holiday ham leftovers.

✔ One-Pot Meal – Hearty enough to be a full dinner, packed with protein and veggies.

About this Recipe

What do you think of when you’re asked to describe “comfort food”? I recently had to think about this because my husband said he had never heard the term before knowing me!

For me, homemade macaroni and cheese with ham is the definition of comfort. I have fond memories of enjoying a warm, cheesy bowl as a child, and I still love the gooey, creamy pasta now as an adult. Though these days, I like to elevate the flavors with different cheeses and mix-ins.

In this Macaroni and Cheese with Ham, I’ve used sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese to add extra depth to the flavor of the sauce. It’s the perfect way to use leftover holiday ham, and adding broccoli makes it a great one-pot meal!

Katie’s Tip: Don’t let any of your holiday ham go to waste! In this guide, I explain How to Freeze Ham, including both the meat and the ham bone. Use frozen ham in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more!

What is your favorite comfort food? Let me know in the comments below!

Tools Needed

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

Cheese Grater – For freshly grated cheddar and Gruyere cheese.
Saucepan with Steamer Insert – To prepare the cheese sauce and steam the broccoli.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Whisk – To blend the roux and cheese sauce smoothly.
Large Pot – To cook the pasta.
Knife & Cutting Board – To dice the ham and chop the broccoli.
Colander – To drain the pasta after cooking.
Casserole Dish – To serve the mac and cheese if baking or transferring.

Ingredient List

Use this list to check your pantry before getting started! For the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, check out the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Shallots – Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor to the cheese sauce.
Garlic – Enhances depth and savoriness in the sauce.
Butter – The base of the roux for a rich, creamy sauce.
Flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk – Creates a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
Sharp White Cheddar – Provides a bold, tangy cheese flavor.
Gruyere – Adds a nutty, slightly sweet richness to the dish.
Nutmeg – A hint of warm spice that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Cayenne Pepper – Brings a mild kick of heat.
Black Pepper – Adds a bit of spice and complexity.
Salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce extra luxurious and velvety.
Diced Ham – Adds salty, smoky flavor and protein.
Broccoli Florets – A fresh, vibrant addition for texture and balance.
Rotini Pasta – The spiral shape holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully. (Substitute options: elbow macaroni, wagon wheels, shells, or penne.)

How to Make Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

A Cheesy & Cozy Meal!

Follow these simple steps to make this m ac and cheese with rotin:

Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta one minute less than the package instructions, then drain.
Steam the Broccoli – Steam until tender-crisp.
Make the Cheese Sauce – Sauté the shallots and garlic in butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
Add the Cheese – Stir in shredded cheddar and Gruyere until melted.
Mix Everything Together – Stir in the ham, pasta, heavy cream, and steamed broccoli. Cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors.

The above is simply a quick summary of this rotini mac and cheese recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Recipe Tips

Try Different Pasta Shapes – Rotini is great, but elbow macaroni, wagon wheels, shells, or penne work too.
Swap the Ham – Crumbled bacon makes a great substitute!
Add More Veggies – Try peas, chopped baby spinach, or chopped kale for a different taste.
For an extra creamy sauce, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting, leading to a grainy or clumpy sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates a richer, creamier mac and cheese.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.Using an airtight container keeps the cheese sauce from absorbing fridge odors!
Freezer: Freeze leftover macaroni and cheese in freezer-safe containers in individual portions for up to 3 months. This is great for lunches!
Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess. If microwaving, use 50-70% power to prevent drying out.

Macaroni and Cheese with Ham FAQs

Got questions about this macaroni and cheese with ham recipe? Below are answers to some commonly asked questions to help you get the best results. If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment—I’d love to help!

What’s the best pasta for gooey mac n cheese?

While I love to make homemade Mac n cheese with ham with rotini—the ridges hold onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly, you can also use:

Elbow Macaroni – A classic choice!
Wagon Wheels – Fun and great for kids.
Shells – Hold extra pockets of sauce for ultimate cheesiness.

How can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Great news! This rotini mac and cheese can easily be adapted:

Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta. Brown rice, chickpea, or lentil pasta are good options.
Sauce Thickener: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. since cornstarch is more potent than flour, start with half the amount and adjust as needed for thickness.

Katie’s Tip: Gluten-free pasta can get mushy if overcooked—cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for the best texture.Can I make this ahead of time?

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the ham mac and cheese with broccoli up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate.

Is this recipe freezer-Friendly?

Yes! To freeze this homemade mac n cheese with ham for later:

Portion it out into airtight containers for easy reheating.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Try this Recipe at Home!

Did you try this homemade mac and cheese with ham? I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments if you made any tweaks or fun add-ins! Your feedback helps others and makes my day!

On Instagram? Share a photo and tag @goodlifeeats with #goodlifeeatsrecipes—I love seeing your kitchen creations!

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

Southwestern Mac and Cheese – A bold twist with pepper jack cheese, smoky chipotle, and roasted green chiles.
Bacon and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all in one dish.
Fontina, Spinach, and Bacon Shells and Cheese – Buttery Fontina cheese with smoky bacon and fresh spinach.
Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon – Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese, with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Ham takes it up a notch by combining sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, and savory chunks of leftover holiday ham for a dish that’s both indulgent and practical.

Ingredients

1 pound rotini
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups low-fat milk
4 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated
4 ounces gruyere, grated
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt, according to taste
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup diced ham
2 large crowns of broccoli, cut into florets

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Prepare a pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil, then cook the pasta according to package instructions (I like to cook it 1 minute less than the box says since you'll be cooking it an additional minute later on.)
Drain and set aside.
Steam the broccoli till tender-crisp and set aside (you can also add it into the pasta water during the last 1 - 2 minutes of pasta cooking).

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large French or Dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic and saute for 1 - 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat till golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk while cooking over medium heat. Stir in the cheese, 4 ounces at a time, whisking until melted and creamy.
Add the nutmeg, cayenne, pepper, and salt (if desired).
Bring to a slow simmer, then stir in the ham and let cook until ham has heated through and flavors have developed, about 3 - 5 minutes.

Combine the Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Broccoli

Stir in the pasta and heavy cream, followed by the broccoli.
Cook for 1 additional minute to reheat the pasta and broccoli.
Serve immediately.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 432Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 681mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 19g

GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.