Punkys Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and Ham
- 2 boxes (7.25 Oz. Box) Macaroni And Cheese
- 1/2 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1/2 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Tablespoons Butter, Divided
- 1 package (about 8 Oz. Package) Ham Steak
- 3 heads Broccoli Crowns
- 1/4 cups Red Onion, Minced
- 1 bag (5-6 Oz. Bag) Herb Croutons
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cups Fresh Shredded Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (Bon Appetit, Or Beau Monde, Something With A Celery Back)
- 2 pinches Black Pepper
- Milk, For Thinning, If Necessary
- Preheat oven to 450F.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Cook macaroni as directed for al dente (the least amount of time listed), using the milk and butter listed.
- While the macaroni is cooking, throw a tablespoon of butter into a frying pan and sear the ham steak.
- Get it warmed and nice and browned on both sides.
- Remove from the pan and dice up the ham.
- Set aside.
- Wash broccoli; do NOT shake off the water.
- Cut up broccoli crowns into large bite-sized pieces.
- Put cut broccoli into a large (gallon) zip baggie, cut 4-5 small slits into one side of the baggie (which will be the top when laid flat) for steam to escape and lay flat in the microwave.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- While broccoli is cooking, quarter and very thinly slice the red onion.
- Set aside.
- Crush the bag of croutons.
- When macaroni is done, drain and return noodles to the pot and prepare the mac and cheese as directed on box, using the ingredients listed.
- Add the extra 2 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons butter at this point; the mac and cheese should be runny.
- Throw in the red onion, shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir.
- Add the ham and broccoli.
- Season with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Stir around to combine.
- Thin with milk if necessary.
- Cover the pot to let the cheeses melt.
- In small pot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
- When melted, add the crushed herb croutons and mix until all crumbs are moistened.
- Pour macaroni mixture into a 13 x 9 baking pan and top with the crouton mixture.
- Place in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through and crisp the topping.
macaroni, milk, butter, butter, ham, broccoli, red onion, croutons, cheddar cheese, parmesan, salt, black pepper, milk
Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/punkye28099s-mac-and-cheese-with-broccoli-and-ham/ (may not work)