This Fall-Inspired Mushroom, Leek, and Ham Mac and Cheese Is Everything

In terms of health, mushrooms are also the leading source of selenium. Selenium can help protect cells from damage and strengthen the immune system. They also boast the claim to being one of the only non-fortified vitamin D foods available. As we approach winter, this is especially important to note since many of us could use more of the “sunshine vitamin”. On a side note, there are even some mushroom varieties that have higher levels of vitamin D since growers can use UV light to up the numbers.

If you’re looking for more ways to use mushrooms at home, you’ll have fun experimenting with what mushroom aficionados call “the blend”. The blend uses the technique of adding chopped mushrooms to ground meat to boost nutrition and sustainability. It works for tacos, burgers, lasagna, and more!

Now on to this soon to be fall favorite. As a dietitian, one thing I know is - when it comes to introducing new foods to people of all ages, they're more likely to enjoy the experience when the new food is paired with a favorite stand-by. Mushrooms add a rich, woodsy, autumnal flavor to mac and cheese with ham and sautéed leeks. In this recipe, we're using shiitake mushrooms which have a meaty texture and a rich woodsy flavor as well as baby portabella mushrooms which are super hearty.

This mac and cheese recipe also serves as a great make-ahead meal since you can store it in individual containers to heat and bake as needed. With three kids of cheese that all have different meltability and flavor attributes, there are lots of layers of sharp and gooey. While it may be tempting to buy pre-shredded cheese, make sure you check the label, as additional starches are often added to keep the cheese from sticking together. This may cause your sauce to be thicker than intended.

You’ll also see a maybe ‘new to you’ ingredient in this recipe: ultra filtered milk. It contains 50% more protein and 50% less calories than standard milk and in my personal opinion, tastes better than many milks on the market. You can swap in whatever milk is in your fridge, but this is a great simple nutrition hack to have in your fridge.

Topping off this hearty and satisfying mac and cheese is a simple salad with bright vinaigrette. It’s a good way to balance out the meal with more vegetables, but it also provides a good flavor contrast to the creamy, rich dairy. Serve it on the side, or straight on top!