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Tropical Hawaiian Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Tropical Hawaiian Mac and Cheese, where the creamy richness of traditional mac and cheese meets the sweet, juicy notes of pineapple and savory chunks of ham. This dish captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, offering a comforting yet adventurous twist that is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner. Serve it up as a main dish or a side, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- 8 ounces
- Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup
- Milk
- 2 cups
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups
- Ham, diced
- 1 cup
- Pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon
- Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and creamy.
- Fold in the diced ham, pineapple chunks, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using), mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until each piece is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For an extra crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Feel free to substitute the ham with cooked bacon or shredded chicken for different flavor profiles.
- You can also use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Gouda for a more complex cheese sauce.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 22g Carbs: 45g Protein: 20g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 5g
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