Pimento Mac and Cheese
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Looking for a quick and indulgent meal that satisfies your cheesy cravings? Look no further than this Pimento Mac and Cheese. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal in just a few easy steps.
This Pimento Mac and Cheese recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its rich and velvety cheese sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s easy to make anytime you’re craving a comforting meal. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy goodness today!
Why You’ll Love This Pimento Mac And Cheese
- Rich and Velvety Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta for a decadent dining experience.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite pasta shapes, cheese varieties, or additional mix-ins like cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Family-Friendly: Pimento Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting and satisfying meal option for the whole family.
- Leftover-Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it as leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Ingredients Needed To Make This Pimento Mac And Cheese
- Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your preferred shape)
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Ground mustard
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cream cheese
- Chopped pimentos, drained
How to Make Pimento Mac and Cheese
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pot, combine the heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cream cheese and chopped pimentos to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Once the sauce is smooth and well-combined, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve this Pimento Mac and Cheese hot and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- No Panko? No problem! You can substitute crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crumbled potato chips for the Pork Panko topping.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use a vegetarian substitute for the Pork Panko.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it before serving.
How do I store leftover Pimento Mac and Cheese?
Store leftover Pimento Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through.
Pimento Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Stock Pot
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 16 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pimentos, drained
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pot, combine the heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cream cheese and chopped pimentos to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Once the sauce is smooth and well-combined, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve Hot and enjoy!
Video
This Pimento Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to become a new favorite! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of southern flair. So next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, give this recipe a try!