Super Cheesy Mac & Cheese

Super Easy Mac and Cheesy

One-Pan Cheesy Mac & Ham with Peas

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix with mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven & prep pan
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix ingredients in the pan
   • Add uncooked macaroni to the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle in the cheese, ham, peas, and butter pieces.
   • Pour milk over everything.
   • Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
   • Give it a gentle stir so everything is evenly mixed (kids can do this with a big spoon).
3. Add the breadcrumb topping
   • Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
   • Optional: drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter on top for extra crunch.
4. Bake
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pasta is tender.
5. Cool slightly & serve
   • Let the mac & cheese cool for 5 minutes so it’s safe for little hands.
   • Scoop and enjoy!

Kid-Friendly Tips

• Kids can layer the ingredients in the pan and sprinkle the cheese & breadcrumbs.
• They can stir gently before baking to make sure the milk is evenly spread.
• Use colorful muffin cups inside the pan to make individual mini mac & cheese portions for even more fun.