Monday 21 October 2019

Crispy Parma Ham & Chive Mac & Cheese Recipe

You know days where you just need a huge bowl of cheesy pasta? Well nothing is better for days like that than Mac & Cheese. I never actually used to be a massive fan of mac and cheese, it wasn't something that really appealed to me so I tended to stick to a classic chicken & bacon pasta bake or go for something with a tomato flavour like my pizza pasta bake but after trying a particular mac & cheese recipe from Haste Kitchen's 7 Day Basket recently, this has become one of my all time favourite meals. Over the last few months I've adapted it a little to suit our taste so I thought I'd share how I make it in case anyone wants to give it a try!
mac & cheese in the dish just out of oven
Ingredients: for 2 people
150g macaroni
6 slices of parma ham
25g butter
30g plain flour
300ml milk
Chopped chives
Thyme
Garlic Salt
Salt & Pepper
Grated cheddar and mozzarella

Method:
1. First of all get your macaroni started. Just follow packet instructions, but all I do is weigh out in the saucepan, add boiling water and cook for around 12 mins
2. While the pasta is boiling, you want to grill your parma ham. I just use a griddle pan for this and they only take a few minutes on each side to get crisp as they're so thin
3. Now you can get your sauce started. Start by melting your butter in a small saucepan. When melted, tip in your plain flour and stir until you end with a paste, almost dough-like consistency. Add your milk in gradually, whisking each time to make sure the mix isn't lumpy
4. When you've added all your milk and you have a smooth sauce, you can add in your grated cheddar. I never weigh this so I can't give you exact measurements but if you've ever made a cheese sauce before just go on what you'd usually add. If not start by adding a few handfuls of grated cheese and then taste. I also add in a handful of grated mozzarella too which makes it go all stringy!
5. After your cheese has melted, sprinkle in dried chives, thyme and garlic powder. I also add in salt & pepper, but you don't need much of any of these. Give it one final mix
6. Drain your pasta and break up your parma ham into small pieces. Add the parma ham to the pasta and then you can tip in your cheese sauce. Give it a good mix making sure everything is coated in the sauce then pour into a dish
7. Bake in a 180 degree pre-heated oven for around 25 minutes and it should come out bubbling around the edges with crispy cheese on top!
mac & cheese in bowl
This is such a comforting meal so is a perfect one for a Friday or Saturday night. I love making it at the weekend, serving with some garlic bread and sitting down with Strictly Come Dancing!


Follow Me - FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterest & Bloglovin!
SHARE:

12 comments

Cora - Tea Party Princess said...

Oh my gosh this looks and sounds delicious. I can almost smell it reading that recipe haha. I just want to eat it all.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/

Sophie said...

This looks like amazing comfort food. I was always the same with mac & cheese, I never really loved it -I always thought it was a little too rich for me x

Sophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk

Michelle said...

This looks so yummy, I wish I was more adventurous with my cooking.

Daisy said...

This looks yum!! I'd have it without the ham and maybe add some veg instead but thanks for this!

jennyinneverland said...

There is nothing better on a cold day than curling up with a bowl of cheesy pasta. In fact, I have some pasta in the cupboard so I know what I'm having for lunch or dinner today - thank you! This looks amazing :) x

Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com

Heather Nixon said...

I love Mac n cheese, I have a vegan recipe on my blog x

Tiffany Timms said...

Haha it's so good Cora! We make it so much now x

Tiffany Timms said...

Yeah I was always put off by it looking quite creamy and over the top but this recipe makes it quite crisp which I really like x

Tiffany Timms said...

It's taken me a long time to try start trying new recipes, I always doubt myself xx

Tiffany Timms said...

That would be a great idea! x

Tiffany Timms said...

Yay I hope you enjoyed it Jenny! You can't beat pasta some days xx

Tiffany Timms said...

Ahh that's good that you have an alternative x

© Food and Other Loves . All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Made By pipdig