Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole – Easy, Creamy & So Delicious

This Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting classic. It’s made with tender macaroni, chopped ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a velvety white sauce and baked under a golden breadcrumb topping. This recipe comes from an old cookbook and is one of those budget-friendly meals that never goes out of style.

If you enjoy old-fashioned recipes, feel free to check out my Porcupine Meatballs — another classic and very family-friendly dinner that’s stood the test of time.

Old-Fashioned Ham Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Prep Time: 25 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

A budget-friendly and comforting bake made with tender macaroni, a creamy white sauce, ham, and cheddar cheese, all finished with a golden breadcrumb topping. Simply delicious and deliciously simple — straight from an old cookbook!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

 

Macaroni

• 350 g macaroni gf macaroni works too

White Sauce

• 80 g butter
• 5 tablespoons cornflour or plain flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Add-Ins

• 250 g grated cheddar cheese
• 300 g chopped ham
• 2 tablespoons grated onion

Topping

• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 60 g grated cheddar cheese
• 40 g melted butter

Instructions

 

• Cook Macaroni – Boil macaroni in salted water (uncovered) for ~20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
• Make White Sauce – In a large saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat. Stir in flour and cook until frothy. Add milk all at once and whisk until thick and smooth.
• Season Sauce – Add salt and cayenne. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Combine Filling – Stir in cooked macaroni, ham, shredded cheese, and grated onion until well combined.
• Assemble Casserole – Grease a baking dish and spoon in the macaroni mixture.
• Add Topping – In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
• Bake – Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

Video

Notes

This recipe is based on a beloved old cookbook classic — it’s simple, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Gluten Free macaroni noodles work well.
• You can use leftover ham or even cooked bacon.
• Add a handful of peas or corn for a little extra colour and veg.
• Great for leftovers — reheat gently in the oven or microwave.