Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko
Savor the ‘Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko’: where creamy pimento cheese meets a zesty kick, all under a golden, crispy panko crust.
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving a delightful fusion of comfort and kick, you’re in for a treat. Let me introduce you to my Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko – a dish where Southern charm meets hearty comfort, all crowned with a golden, crispy touch. Trust me, this is a flavor journey you won’t want to miss!
Why this Recipe Works!
- A Flavorful Twist on a Classic: Tired of the same old mac and cheese? This dish elevates the classic comfort food with the zesty kick of jalapeño and the rich depth of pimento cheese. It’s a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Crunchy Panko Perfection: That golden, crispy panko topping adds an irresistible crunch, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy mac beneath. Every bite is a mix of creamy and crispy textures – pure bliss!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this recipe serves up to 8 people. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memorable experience waiting to be shared with loved ones.
FAQ for Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac & cheese and refrigerate it before baking. Just add the panko topping right before you pop it in the oven to ensure it stays crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but remember, the panko might lose some of its crispiness upon reheating.
I don’t have panko breadcrumbs. What can I use as a substitute?
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers can work as a substitute. They might not be as airy as panko but will still provide a nice crunch.
Other uses for Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Slather it between slices of your favorite bread with some lettuce and tomato for a delicious sandwich. Or, roll it up in a wrap with some sliced turkey or veggies.
- Stuffed Veggies: Scoop out the center of cherry tomatoes or baby bell peppers and fill them with pimento cheese for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Baked Potato Topper: Next time you bake or grill potatoes, consider dolloping them with this zesty spread. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- Dip for Chips: Serve it as a dip alongside tortilla chips, pretzels, or even crunchy veggies like celery and carrot sticks.
- Burger Enhancer: Spread some on your burger bun for an elevated, cheesy burger experience.
- Deviled Eggs: Mix the yolk with pimento cheese for a spicy, cheesy deviled egg filling.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Upgrade your regular grilled cheese by spreading some pimento cheese along with your regular cheese. The spicy kick takes it to the next level!
- Crackers & Cheese Boards: Spread it on crackers or include it in a cheese board spread for guests to enjoy with sliced meats, fruits, and other accompaniments.
- Stir into Soups: Swirl some into tomato or vegetable soup to add creaminess and a punch of flavor.
- Pimento Cheese Omelette: Stir it into your eggs for a breakfast omelette that’ll start your day with some zest!
Variations for Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko
- Bacon Lovers: Mix in crispy bacon bits for that smoky flavor and added crunch.
- Go Green: Fold in some sautéed spinach or kale to add a touch of earthiness and a pop of color.
- Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami touch that complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
- Seafood Spin: Mix in cooked shrimp or lump crab meat for a coastal twist on this comforting dish.
- Cheese Trio: Along with pimento cheese, add dollops of goat cheese and chunks of mozzarella for a richer, meltier experience.
- BBQ Boost: Top with BBQ pulled pork or chicken for a Southern comfort extravaganza.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap out regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free too!
- Vegan Venture: Use vegan cheeses, plant-based milk, and vegan butter to make a dairy-free version.
- Heat Things Up: Add more jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce or red chili flakes for an extra fiery kick.
- Crispy Onion Finish: Top with fried onion bits instead of panko for a different kind of crunch.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Pasta: Go for shapes that trap and hold the cheese sauce well, like elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the oven.
- Melt Cheese Gradually: When making your cheese sauce, add the pimento cheese bit by bit, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Fresh Grate When Possible: If you’re using additional cheeses, freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.
- For Extra Creaminess: Consider adding a small dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for an extra velvety texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your mac & cheese in the oven. You want the panko to be golden and the sauce bubbly, but overbaking can cause the pasta to become too soft.
- Spice Check: Taste your jalapeños before adding them. Their heat can vary, and this way, you can better control the spiciness of your dish.
- Panko Prep: Toss your panko breadcrumbs in a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top. It helps them brown evenly and adds a richer flavor.
- Customize the Crunch: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or even grated parmesan to your panko topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let it Sit: After removing the mac & cheese from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and makes serving easier.
- Reheat Right: If reheating leftovers, consider doing so in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the dish’s creamy texture, as microwaving can sometimes alter it.
Want some more Side Dish Recipes?
Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Mayo
Balsamic Green Beans with Almonds
Green Beans with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts
Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko
Savor the 'Spicy Pimento Mac & Cheese with Panko': where creamy pimento cheese meets a zesty kick, all under a golden, crispy panko crust.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup jarred diced pimentos, drained
- 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Mac and Cheese
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups homemade Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Panko Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until well blended
- Mix in the mayonnaise until smooth
- Stir in the pimentos, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix until everything is well combined. Set aside
Mac and Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, constantly stirring until it thickens.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Jalapeño Pimento Cheese until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the drained macaroni until everything is well coated with the cheesy goodness.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- For the panko topping: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose the Right Pasta: Go for shapes that trap and hold the cheese sauce well, like elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the oven.
- Melt Cheese Gradually: When making your cheese sauce, add the pimento cheese bit by bit, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Fresh Grate When Possible: If you’re using additional cheeses, freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.
- For Extra Creaminess: Consider adding a small dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for an extra velvety texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your mac & cheese in the oven. You want the panko to be golden and the sauce bubbly, but overbaking can cause the pasta to become too soft.
- Spice Check: Taste your jalapeños before adding them. Their heat can vary, and this way, you can better control the spiciness of your dish.
- Panko Prep: Toss your panko breadcrumbs in a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top. It helps them brown evenly and adds a richer flavor.
- Customize the Crunch: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or even grated parmesan to your panko topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let it Sit: After removing the mac & cheese from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and makes serving easier.
- Reheat Right: If reheating leftovers, consider doing so in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the dish’s creamy texture, as microwaving can sometimes alter it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 705kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 856mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1288IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 532mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 705kcal
