Cheesy Baked Pasta Gratin (Macaroni au Gratin) – Easy & Delicious

📌 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6

Perfect for a quick and comforting family meal, this cheesy baked pasta gratin is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with layers of melted cheese, ham, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the pasta gratin:

  • 1 pack of pasta (e.g., penne, macaroni)
  • 300g ham, diced
  • 200g kasseri cheese, shredded (or mild cheddar)
  • 200g kefalograviera cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
  • 250g cream cheese
  • 400ml heavy cream
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    • Boil the pasta in salted water for 6 minutes (slightly undercooked).
    • Drain well and set aside.
  2. Assemble the dish:
    • Grease a large, oven-safe baking dish.
    • Add the cooked pasta and sprinkle the ham and shredded cheeses evenly on top.
  3. Prepare the sauce:
    • In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the heavy cream until smooth.
    • Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bake:
    • Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Serve & Enjoy:
    • Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Enjoy this delicious, cheesy baked pasta gratin with a fresh salad or garlic bread!

💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Gratin

✅ Use high-quality cheese: Kasseri & kefalograviera give an authentic Greek flavor, but you can substitute with Gouda, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
✅ Lighten it up: Swap heavy cream for light cream or evaporated milk for a lower-calorie version.
✅ Make it meat-free: Omit the ham for a vegetarian-friendly option.
✅ Add extra flavor: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes!
✔ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A comfort food classic.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for leftovers.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with the whole family!

More Cheesy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

🍝 Baked Feta Pasta – Greek Style
🧀 Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese
🥓 Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Penne

👉 Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! 🧑‍🍳💛