spam and mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best spam and mac and cheese recipe

I’ve been making this Spam and Mac and Cheese recipe for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and satisfies our cravings. I think what I love most about this recipe is the combination of the crispy, savory Spam with the creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese.

It’s a match made in heaven. My kids just love it when I serve this for dinner, and it’s also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings. I’ve even served it at school events, and everyone always asks for the recipe.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this dish comes together – it’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s a great way to get my family to eat more protein and less processed foods. I’ve experimented with different types of cheese and pasta shapes over the years, but the classic combination of elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese is still my favorite.

This recipe is also super versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different spices or herbs. My husband loves when I add some diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat. I’ve also made this recipe with gluten-free pasta for my friends who have dietary restrictions.

The possibilities are endless! One thing I want to note is that you can easily make this recipe in advance – simply prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you need a stress-free meal option.

Spam and Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1482 votes

A comforting and savory twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy, golden Spam cubes folded into a creamy cheese sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a satisfying salty-savory flavor in every bite.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

For the Spam

1 can (12 oz) Spam, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tbsp vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the Spam cubes in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Transfer the Spam to a plate lined with paper towels.
7In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
8Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and light golden, stirring constantly.
9Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika.
11Stir with a wooden spoon until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Add the cooked macaroni and crispy Spam cubes to the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
14Serve immediately while hot and creamy, garnished with extra paprika or chopped parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Frying pan
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 1100mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and skim milk. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Spam and Mac and Cheese Works

This Spam and Mac and Cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for your family or friends.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully in the oven or on the stovetop.

You can also serve it at room temperature if you prefer – just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spam and Mac and Cheese

Q: What kind of pasta should I use?

I recommend using elbow macaroni for this recipe, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini if you prefer.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cheese if you prefer a lighter version of this dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Q: Can I make this recipe without Spam?

You can substitute the Spam with cooked bacon or ham if you prefer.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains Spam which is not vegetarian-friendly.

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