Saturday, May 30, 2015

Pimiento Cheese Mac and Cheese



I am a Southern girl at heart and I love my Pimiento Cheese. I was raised on a healthy dose of “cheese salad” sandwiches, and I still love them to this day. I also love Mac and Cheese, so you know that, eventually, a combination of the two just had to come to pass.

Mr. O-P, Yankee that he is, is not a particular fan of either, so I didn't bother to offer him any of my experimental dish when I served it as a side with roast chicken and sugar snap peas tonight. Eying my plate with more enthusiasm than I had expected, he asked if he might give it a try. I could tell this recipe was successful when he went back for seconds, and then thirds!

This is a tasty, creamy, comforting way to enjoy macaroni. The pimiento here is really
Melissa's Fire Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers that add so much more flavor than a dozen jars of pimientos ever could. A heavy hand with the smoked paprika gives it a nice color and complex taste. It's Mac and Cheese for mom and dad, but the kids are going to love it too. I dare you not to like it.
Pimiento Cheese Mac and Cheese

1 cup uncooked rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup whole milk
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/2 Tablespoons stone ground mustard
1-1/2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 ounces (1/2 jar)
Melissa's Fire Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers, drained and diced

Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Whisk in flour and cook over medium low heat until combined. Increase heat to medium, whisk in milk and continue to cook until thickened, whisking occasionally. About 5-7 minutes.

When mixture has thickened, stir in cheese, mustards, and paprika until combined.  Fold in rotini and peppers.  Serve immediately.

Here's another delicious and unique way to eat pimiento cheese, Pimiento Cheese Toasts.


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3 comments:

Marigene said...

I just can't imagine anyone not liking mac and cheese! Yours looks so creamy and yummy, Pattie.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I agree with Marigene! Who doesn't (besides hubby) like Mac & Cheese?! Adding pimentos is a nice touch of flavor and color too.

Claire Justine said...

This looks amazing!! Yum, yum! I have just had my dinner but I could eat some of this :)

Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays, pinning:)