Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
There is something so comforting about a bubbling dish of pasta straight from the oven.
This recipe combines simple everyday ingredients with a creamy homemade cheese sauce and plenty of melted cheese on top.
Here are a few reasons why we love it:
- easy to make with simple ingredients
- ready in less than one hour
- creamy and cheesy
- perfect for a family dinner
- a great way to use leftover ham
- easy to adapt with vegetables or different cheeses
It is one of those reliable recipes that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a relaxed weekend lunch.
TOP 5 tips and tricks
Check out these tips to make preparing this dish at home even easier.
1. Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta only partially, as it will continue cooking in the oven. If you cook it until fully tender beforehand, it can become too soft after baking.
2. Add the milk gradually. When making the sauce, pour in the milk slowly while whisking continuously. This helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
3. Use a good melting cheese. Cheese is one of the main flavors in this dish, so choose one that melts well and tastes great. For an even better result, you can combine two or three different types of cheese.
4. Coat the pasta well with the sauce. Before transferring it to the baking dish, mix the pasta thoroughly with the sauce. This will help keep it creamy and juicy after baking.
5. Use the broiler for a more golden crust. For an extra golden and slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the final few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, as the cheese can brown very quickly.
Storing
Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake is best served fresh, while the sauce is still creamy and the cheese on top is beautifully golden. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven. We recommend adding one or two tablespoons of milk before reheating to help make the pasta creamy again.
How to make Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake at home (video)
Check this short video to master the recipe at home.
Next try these pasta dishes
- Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
- Lemon Pasta with Broccoli and Anchovies
- Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
- Istrian Fuži with Truffle Sauce
- Penne alla Vodka
- Pea Pesto Pasta with Burrata
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
METHOD
-
cook the pasta
Place a pot of salted water over medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes, then drain. Do not cook the pasta all the way through, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
-
sauce
Add the butter to a deep skillet. Once melted, add the flour and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns beige. Add the spices and mustard and cook for another 30 seconds. Slowly start pouring in the milk. While whisking continuously, first add 250 ml (1 cup) of milk and cook until a thick mixture forms. Then gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until you have a thick, smooth sauce.
-
add the ham and cheese
Remove from the heat and stir in 220 g (7.8 oz) of grated cheese until melted and smooth. Add the ham, cut into small cubes, and stir to combine. Then add the drained pasta and mix well so that everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
-
bake and serve
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, approximately 20 cm x 25 cm (8 x 10 inches). Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C / 390°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. If needed, switch the oven to broil for the final 3 minutes to brown the top nicely. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then divide between plates and serve with a seasonal salad.
