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Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy twist on classic comfort food, featuring tangy pimientos, a golden panko topping, and hearty chicken sausage. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this Southern favorite delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 quart milk
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound pasta (such as penne, cavatappi, or rotini)
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated sweet onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 (7-ounce) jars diced pimiento, drained
  • 1 cup finely diced cooked chicken sausage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat broiler and position rack 8 to 9 inches from heat source.
  2. Bring 1/4 cup salt and 4 quarts water to a boil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
  3. In a microwave-safe cup, cover milk with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.
  4. In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Lower heat to medium-low, add flour, whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in hot milk. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a low boil while whisking.
  6. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  7. Continue whisking cheese sauce for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Cover to keep warm.
  8. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil.
  9. Fold pasta into cheese sauce, stir in pimientos and chicken sausage.
  10. Top with breadcrumb mixture and broil 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Notes

  • Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.
  • Try Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.
  • Omit chicken sausage or use mushrooms for vegetarian version.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free option.

Nutrition

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