If you’re looking for more delicious ways to utilize leftover ham, don’t miss our Ham and Cheese Crescent Bake or this comforting Ham and Bean Soup. But for an exceptionally satisfying and surprisingly gourmet experience, this Mac and Cheese with Ham and Leeks recipe is a must-try.

The Story Behind This Fated Recipe

Have you ever had one of those culinary moments where a recipe seems to fall right into your lap at the exact perfect time? For me, this Mac and Cheese with Ham and Leeks was precisely that kind of fateful encounter. As an avid home cook and recipe developer, I often find myself with an abundance of ingredients, and sometimes, the universe aligns to provide the perfect solution.

My journey to this dish started, rather unexpectedly, with leeks. I adore the subtle, sweet oniony flavor that leeks bring to a dish. However, nearly every recipe I encounter calls for just one leek. The dilemma? My local grocery stores consistently sell leeks in bundles of two or three. So, after making a delightful soup that required only a single leek, I was left with two beautiful leeks patiently waiting in my refrigerator. Not one to waste, I quickly found a home for one of them in a flavorful stir-fry a few nights later. Still, one lone leek remained, prompting a mental inventory of my ingredient archives.

Around the same time, I found myself in a delightful predicament: an overflowing supply of leftover ham. I had been working on some recipe development for a client, which resulted in two almost-full hams. My freezer, already a veritable treasure trove of culinary ingredients, was reaching its capacity, and I was determined not to add more ham to the stockpile without a plan. We had enjoyed our fill of ham sandwiches, and I was actively seeking fresh, innovative ways to transform this savory protein into something exciting and new for our dinner table.

And then, it happened. While catching an episode of The Rachael Ray Show, I watched, captivated, as she whipped up a homemade macaroni and cheese featuring both ham and leeks. It was an absolute revelation! The timing couldn’t have been more impeccable. It was as if the culinary gods themselves had orchestrated this moment, presenting the perfect solution to my leek and ham surplus in one glorious dish. I knew instantly that this recipe had to be added to our menu, and soon.

Why This Mac and Cheese with Ham and Leeks Stands Out

This isn’t my first foray into Rachael Ray’s macaroni and cheese recipes, and for good reason—that woman truly understands the art of a stellar mac and cheese! And let me assure you, this particular version did not disappoint. It elevates a classic comfort food to new heights, blending familiar flavors with a touch of sophistication.

In her original recipe, Rachael used thinly sliced ham, but I found it incredibly easy and equally delicious to substitute with readily available cubed, cooked ham, which was perfect for my leftover supply. While the idea of adding leeks to homemade macaroni and cheese might seem unconventional at first, trust me, it’s a stroke of genius. The leeks melt into the creamy sauce, contributing a delicate sweetness and a subtle textural contrast that truly enhances the dish without overpowering it. They add an unexpected layer of depth and freshness that you’ll absolutely love.

And then there’s the cheese – oh, the glorious Gruyere! Gruyere is a semi-hard Swiss cheese known for its rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor, which melts beautifully to create an incredibly smooth and luxurious cheese sauce. This mac and cheese is not just creamy; it’s bursting with flavor, creating a truly irresistible meal that is guaranteed to please everyone at your table. It’s hearty, warming, and sophisticated enough for guests, yet comforting and familiar for the whole family.

The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion

As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty dish to bring comfort and joy. This Mac and Cheese with Ham and Leeks is the epitome of cold-weather comfort food. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on a chilly evening, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply a treat for yourself after a long day.

Beyond its comforting qualities, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover holiday ham, transforming it from a simple remnant into the star of a brand-new meal. The combination of savory ham, sweet leeks, and rich Gruyere creates a balanced flavor profile that makes this dish feel both indulgent and wholesome. Prepare to make this recipe a staple in your winter cooking repertoire!

Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese with Ham and Leeks

• Choosing Your Pasta: While macaroni is traditional, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, orecchiette, or shell pasta. Their nooks and crannies are perfect for capturing the creamy sauce.
• Cleaning Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can hold a lot of grit and dirt between their layers. Make sure to slice them into half-moons and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water in a colander, separating the layers to ensure all dirt is removed.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce and under the broiler, so slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Grating Your Own Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, always grate your own Gruyere and Parmesan cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
• The Garlic Rub: Don’t skip rubbing the pot with garlic before warming the milk. This simple step infuses a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor into the milk, adding another layer of complexity to your cheese sauce without being overpowering.
• Building the Roux: The butter and flour roux is the foundation of your creamy cheese sauce. Ensure you whisk it consistently for the recommended 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. When adding the milk mixture, whisk slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth sauce.
• Serving Fresh: While leftovers are delicious, mac and cheese is always best served fresh, right out of the broiler, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and hearty mac and cheese can easily stand alone as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent companions, adding freshness and nutrients. For an extra touch of decadence, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving adds a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this mac and cheese are a real treat! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave. For a crispy top, you can reheat it in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, then uncover for the last few minutes to brown.

More Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a mac and cheese aficionado like me, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Creamy Mac and Cheese: A classic, velvety smooth recipe for traditionalists.
• Taco Mac and Cheese: A fun, zesty fusion for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Spicy and savory, perfect for game day or a flavor-packed dinner.

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.