Creamy Macaroni-and-Cheese Ham Bake

We've given a touch of pizzazz to boxed mac 'n' cheese by adding our own creamy sauce, chunks of ham, and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

Makes: 4 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes

Ingredients
1 7.25-ounce package macaroni and cheese dinner mix
1-1/2 cups cubed cooked ham or chopped cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1 cup cream-style cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare macaroni and cheese mix according to package directions, except do not add salt to water. Stir in ham, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, the cottage cheese, sour cream, onion, and pepper. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

2. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and, if desired, parsley; stir in melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

3. Bake, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until mixture is heated through and crumbs are golden. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4 servings Calories 557, Total Fat (g)28, Saturated Fat (g)17, Monounsaturated Fat (g)6, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)111, Sodium (mg)2175, Carbohydrate (g)49, Total Sugar (g)9, Fiber (g)2, Protein (g)37, Vitamin C (DV%)3, Calcium (DV%)51, Iron (DV%)22, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet