The Ultimate Christmas Ham Mac & Cheese Topped with Ritz

The holiday season is defined by warmth, tradition, and the kind of soul-satisfying comfort food that brings everyone to the table. While a glazed ham often takes center stage during Christmas dinner, the true magic happens when those savory leftovers meet the creamy, golden embrace of homemade macaroni and cheese. This Christmas Ham Mac & Cheese, finished with a buttery, crushed Ritz cracker topping, is more than just a side dish; it is a decadent meal in itself. By combining the salty, smoky depth of holiday ham with a velvety multi-cheese sauce and the nostalgic, salty crunch of Ritz crackers, you create a texture profile that is unparalleled. It is the perfect way to elevate your holiday spread or breathe new life into your post-Christmas fridge.

The Essential Ingredients

To achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch, quality ingredients are paramount. This recipe yields a rich, bakery-style consistency that avoids the dryness often found in baked pasta dishes.

For the Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb Large Elbow Macaroni or Cavatappi: These shapes are ideal for “trapping” the cheese sauce in their ridges.

• 2-3 cups Cooked Christmas Ham: Diced into bite-sized cubes. Using honey-glazed or brown sugar spiral ham adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with sharp cheeses.

For the Liquid Gold (Cheese Sauce):

• 4 cups Whole Milk: Room temperature prevents the sauce from breaking.

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: The base for your roux.

• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce to perfection.

• 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt.

• 1 cup Gruyère or Fontina: Adds a sophisticated, nutty depth and superior stretch.

• 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan: For a salty, umami kick.

• Seasonings: 1 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp Ground mustard, and salt/black pepper to taste.

For the Iconic Ritz Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers: Coarsely crushed (don’t turn them into dust; you want texture).

• 3 tbsp Salted Butter: Melted, to bind the crumbs.

• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (it should be very al dente). Drain and set aside.

2. Build the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smells slightly nutty, but do not let it brown.

3. Create the Mornay Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat and stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground mustard.

4. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded Cheddar, Gruyère, and half of the Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

5. Combine: Fold the cooked pasta and the diced Christmas ham into the cheese sauce until every piece of macaroni is thoroughly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

6. Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling at the edges, and the Ritz topping should be a deep, golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Secrets to the Perfect Cheesy Texture

The difference between an average mac and cheese and an extraordinary one lies in the science of the sauce. One of the most common mistakes is using pre-shredded cheese from a bag. These products are coated in potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping in the package, which results in a grainy, gritty texture when melted. For a truly professional result, buy blocks of high-quality cheese and grate them yourself.

Furthermore, the choice of ham significantly impacts the flavor profile. If your Christmas ham was particularly sweet, leaning into a sharper, more aged White Cheddar can provide a necessary contrast. If your ham was salt-cured, consider using a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or Fontina to keep the salt levels balanced. The addition of ground mustard in the sauce is a “secret weapon” used by chefs; it doesn’t make the dish taste like mustard, but it acts as an emulsifier and cuts through the heavy fat of the dairy, making the cheese flavor “pop.”

Why the Ritz Topping Wins Every Time

While breadcrumbs are the traditional choice for baked pasta, the Ritz cracker topping is a game-changer for holiday cooking. Ritz crackers have a high butter content and a distinct, flaky texture that mimics a puff pastry rather than a dry breading. When combined with melted butter and baked, they create a savory, melt-in-your-mouth crust that provides a stark, satisfying contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

To take the topping even further, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest or chopped thyme to the cracker crumble. This adds a layer of brightness that refreshes the palate between bites of rich ham and cheese. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the Ritz crumbs can provide a subtle warmth that complements the smokiness of the ham.

Serving, Storage, and Reheating Tips

This dish is a powerhouse on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with bright, acidic sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a champagne vinaigrette or roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are excellent companions. Because this recipe is so hearty, it also serves as a fantastic “potluck” dish for holiday parties, as it holds its heat well and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause the cheese oils to separate and make the pasta oily. Instead, place a portion in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore the creaminess, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F until heated through. For the final two minutes, remove the foil to allow the Ritz topping to crisp back up. This ensures your Christmas Ham Mac & Cheese tastes just as decadent the second time around as it did on the day it was made.