Cheesy Ham Casserole

• servings: 10 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound medium shells (or rotini or penne)

⅓ cup butter

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 ¾ cups milk

1 cup half and half (or light cream)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere cheese)

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

2 cups diced ham

½ cup Panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoons parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, butter, and parsley, set aside.

Cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Drain well.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter, flour, and seasonings over medium heat and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually add in milk, half and half, and Dijon, whisking until smooth after each addition. Once all of the milk/cream is added, whisk while bringing to a boil over medium heat. Allow to boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and add 2 ½ cups cheddar, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth.

Toss the cheese sauce with cooked pasta and ham and transfer to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the casserole and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

Bake for 22-26 minutes or until heated through and topping is browned. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg
• Sodium: 751 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Total Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g