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.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword jalapeno, mac and cheese, pimento

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 5

Servings people

Calories 705kcal

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

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 9x13-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.

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.