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Pimento Macaroni and Cheese

Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese
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Creamy macaroni and cheese is combined with the classic, savory flavors of pimento cheese and a decadent four cheese sauce for a southern twist on the comfort food classic. 

  • Author: Nicole Stover
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound pasta, elbows or cavatappi recommended
  • 2 bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and deseeded
  • 1 jalapeno, roasted, peeled, deseeded for less heat if desired
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • a couple of dashes of hot sauce
  • 4 ounces sharp white cheddar, grated
  • 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar, grated
  • 8 ounces pepper-jack, grated
  • Green onions for topping, optional
  • Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta according to the package directions for al dente in generously salted water. Drain. 
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
  3. Add your onions and cook until they are translucent, 2-4 minutes. Season with granulated garlic, onion, and paprika.
  4. Add the flour, stir until it has completely absorbed the butter. Continue cooking it until it begins to smell a little nutty, 2-4 minutes.
  5. 1/4 cup at a time stir in the evaporated milk, waiting for it to be completely absorbed before adding the next quarter cup. Contunue the same process with the whole milk.
  6. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, never allowing it to boil, about 5-8 minutes. It should hug the back of your spoon. 
  7. Stir in the peppers, Dijon, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
  8. Add the cream cheese and continue to stir until it has dissolved.
  9. A handful of cheese at a time, stir in your shredded cheese.
  10. Once all of your cheese has melted fold in your cooked pasta. 
  11. Taste to see if you need any additional salt or Worcestershire sauce. 
  12. Top with green onions and enjoy!

Notes

This can be made into a baked macaroni and cheese. Add an additional 5 oz of evaporated milk when making your cheese sauce. Under cook your pasta by one minute for al dente. Layer with additional cheese and then add your favorite topping such as more cheese or crushed corn flakes. Bake for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Find it online: https://beachgirlgrills.com/pimento-macaroni-and-cheese/