Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with the most mind-blowing comfort food experience you've ever tasted! This Pimento Mac n Cheese Casserole isn't just another boring pasta dish - it's a creamy, cheesy explosion of flavor that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and zesty pimento cheese, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, pimento cheese, milk, and sour cream. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, melt the tablespoon of butter. Mix with breadcrumbs until they are lightly coated and crumbly.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For the creamiest mac and cheese, make sure to fully drain your pasta but don't let it cool completely - add it to the cheese mixture while still warm.
- Use high-quality sharp cheddar and pimento cheese for the most intense flavor. The better the cheese, the better the dish!
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- For extra crunch, try mixing some panko breadcrumbs with the regular breadcrumbs for a more textured topping.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier. This also helps prevent burns from hot cheese!
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor kick.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, then bake when ready - just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
