Ingredients
1 tablespoon avocado oil (any cooking oil will work)
2 cups chopped ham
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces dried small pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon grainy brown mustard
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese,
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
Fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Add the ham, apples, and onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes; set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and ground black pepper until combined. Add milk and cream. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Add both mustards and both cheeses, stirring until melted. Stir pasta, along with the ham, apple, onion mixture. Transfer to a 2-quart square baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl mix melted butter and panko until crumbs are coated with butter. Sprinkle mixture over pasta in the baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve.
Keywords: ham, granny smith apple, pasta, smoked gouda chess, white cheddar cheese, mac and cheese, bake, comfort food