Prepare to be transported to the heart of Southern cuisine with a mac and cheese recipe that's about to revolutionize your comfort food game! This isn't just another boring pasta dish - this is a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that combines the classic love of mac and cheese with the bold, tangy punch of pimento cheese. Whether you're looking to impress your family, wow your dinner guests, or simply treat yourself to the most indulgent comfort food experience, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your macaroni and cheese bakes evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pimento cheese, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, add the drained macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season the macaroni and cheese mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter (optional). This will help the breadcrumbs brown nicely in the oven. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Pimento Cheese Macaroni and Cheese!
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother, more luxurious texture.
- Don't overcook your pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For extra crunch, toast your breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little butter before sprinkling on top.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to customize your flavor profile.
- If the top isn't browning evenly, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 201kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
