Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Ham Bake

Ingredients

• 1
  7 1/4 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

   
• 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.

  utter, melted