DELUXE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Deluxe Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

I've been cooking and baking for many years, but I've only recently begun creating my own recipes. By adding diced ham, tomatoes, several cheeses and a hint of Dijon mustard, I turned this super creamy mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food. -Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup whipped cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
TOPPING:
1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a Dutch oven, whisk flour, milk and cream until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened., Stir in cheeses until melted. Add tomatoes, ham, sour cream and mustard. Drain macaroni; add to cheese mixture and toss to coat., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and bread crumbs are lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 441 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 734mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.