Mac and Peas With Ham Cubes

Ingredients

Start mac and peas with ham cubes with the ingredients here and a clear about 20 minutes slot.

• 1 box (12 oz) elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It

Prepare mac and peas with ham cubes with one backup bite in mind before the main pan gets mixed together.

• Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until tender, about 8 minutes, adding the frozen peas for the last 2 minutes, then drain.
• Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and cook 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar until melted, then season with the salt and pepper.
• Fold the drained macaroni, peas, and ham cubes into the cheese sauce until everything is coated and the ham is warmed through.

Timing Before Practice

Start about 30 minutes before you leave so the cheesy mac cools enough for kids to eat.

• T-minus 30: boil the pasta and start the cheese sauce
• T-minus 15: fold in the ham and peas, then plate early eaters
• T-minus 5: water bottles and shoes, no new cooking

Make It Ahead or Save Leftovers

This reheats best with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back together.

• Cube the ham and shred the cheese the night before
• Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk so the sauce stays creamy
• Pack a portion for a warm next-day lunch in a thermos
• Serve with: apple slices, steamed broccoli

Parent Tip

Pull the pot off the heat before stirring in the cheese so it melts smooth instead of turning grainy.