Cheesy Mac with Spinach and Ham

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:50:31 GMT

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F [200°C].

Step 2

On a large cutting board, mince the onion. Com bine the milk, half-and-half, and mustard in a measuring cup and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a 12-in [30.5-cm] ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 4. Tbsp butter. When the butter melts, add the onion and sauté until it softens, about 2 minutes, then add the spinach. ½ tsp salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Sauté until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring, then stir in the milk mixture, stirring constantly. Be sure to scrape up any flour stuck on the bottom of the pan. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes, and then stir in the cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and then stir in the broth, macaroni, and ham. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, pressing it down. Cover the pan with an ovenproof lid and bake until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 5

While the pasta bakes, stir together the panko and remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter with a fork.

Step 6

Remove the lid and sprinkle the panko topping over the pasta. Switch the oven setting to broil, return the pan to the second-highest rack, and broil the topping until browned, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 7

Serve the mac and cheese directly from the pan at the table so that it stays good and hot.

Step 8

It's that easy: You may think you don't need to buy panko. But you do. If you 're not familiar with it, panko is crunchy Japanese bread crumbs and they are so much more delicious than that sawdust in a can masquerading as bread crumbs that you probably have in your pantry. Panko's larger crumbs add greater crunch, especially for crunchy coatings and toppings like this. Buy a bag or a box and use them whenever you would bread crumbs.

Step 9

EXTRA-HUNGRY KIDS? It's not likely, but if you're looking for something green, add a side of microwaved frozen peas or green beans.

Step 10

ADULT TASTE BUDS? This is one meal adults and kids agree on, but if you need some relief from all the richness there's nothing like thinly sliced cucumbers splashed with white wine vinegar, a glug of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Step 11

IN THE GLASS: An off-dry Riesling from Jacob's Creek works perfectly with the rich cheese. The kids might like a mocktail of carrot juice, pineapple juice, and sparkling water.

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