Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 220 g ziti pasta
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups coarsely grated Gruyere (about 170 g)
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 110 g)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 slices white sandwich bread, cubed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. premium flour
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
• 220 g thin slices of ham

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and transfer the pasta to a large bowl; toss with 1/4 cup milk.
3. Meanwhile, combine both cheeses in a bowl. In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup of milk with the eggs; stir in the bread and add half of the cheese.
4. In a saucepan over high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until darkened, 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon coarse salt; cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup water and the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and bring to a boil, stirring. Remove from heat and cool slightly, whisking. Stir in the remaining cheese, then add the pasta and toss to combine.
5. Grease a shallow baking dish with butter. Add half the pasta, top with some ham, and cover with the remaining pasta. Top with the remaining ham, then cover with the bread mixture.
6. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes and serve.