It’s Time to Upgrade Your Mac & Cheese
Let’s take this classic dinner staple to the next level with a bit of Southern flare.
Macaroni and Cheese could easily be considered one of America’s favorite comfort foods. We all remember the classic boxed stovetop mac and cheese we grew up eating (and may still enjoy!), but sometimes the boxed version doesn’t quite hit the spot.
As a Southerner, mac and cheese was a staple meal that I regularly experimented with. From upgrading the standard box version, to making it from scratch with some Southern flair, I’ve tested quite a few versions and adding pimento cheese has always been my favorite.
After I started Pimento Chz Club, creating a mac and cheese recipe with our Original Pimento Cheese seemed like a no-brainer. It’s a dish I’ve been making for years, albeit I was making the pimento cheese from scratch, and was a hit at holidays, parties and was easily one of mine and my husband’s favorite dishes.
With our ready-made pimento cheese, this recipe just got a whole lot easier and more delicious. The pimento cheese adds a unique Southern taste to the classic and comforting dish, while still keeping the cheesy goodness that we have all come to love.
From an easy weeknight staple to a gourmet dish, this mac and cheese will easily be a fan favorite.
Ingredients:
8 ounce elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (8-ounce) container Original Pimento Chz Club
1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Melt butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Whisk in pimento cheese until smooth and melted; Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Fold in cooked pasta until well combined. Sprinkle the top with Panko.
Place into the oven and bake until golden brown and bubbly about 15-20 minutes. Serve warm.