Best 2 Pimento Mac And Cheese With Chicken Sausage Recipes

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our tantalizing recipe for Pimento Mac and Cheese with Chicken Sausage. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where creamy mac and cheese intertwines with the smoky, savory flavors of chicken sausage and the tangy zest of pimentos. This recipe promises to transport your taste buds to a blissful realm of cheesy goodness, making it the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FRIED PIMENTO MAC AND CHEESE



Fried Pimento Mac and Cheese image

These little squares of fried mac and cheese heaven are crunchy, creamy, spicy and gooey--all at the same time.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups milk
12 ounces elbow macaroni
8 ounces shredded Cheddar (about 2 cups)
4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella (about 1 cup)
4 ounces cream cheese
Two 4-ounce jars diced pimento peppers, drained
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons hot sauce, plus more for serving
Large pinch cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on at least 2 sides.
  • Put the milk and macaroni in a medium saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping. Continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, pimentos, sour cream, hot sauce, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Spread into the prepared baking dish and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
  • Use the parchment overhang to lift the macaroni in a block from the dish. Cut into 2-inch squares, transfer to a baking sheet and freeze until completely firm, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with 2 inches of oil and heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Fry the mac and cheese squares in batches until golden brown on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with more hot sauce drizzled over top.

PIMENTO MAC AND CHEESE



Pimento Mac and Cheese image

This recipe combines two classic Southern dishes to create something special: Pimento cheese, a spread for sandwiches, crackers and vegetables, meets mac and cheese for a peppery and spicier version of the traditional baked casserole. The core ingredients of pimento cheese - sharp yellow Cheddar, pimento peppers and cream cheese - cook into a sauce that's creamier and tangier than the usual purely cheese base.

Provided by Vallery Lomas

Categories     dinner, casseroles, main course, side dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound macaroni elbows
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, minced (seeded if desired for mild heat)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
4 cups whole milk
12 ounces sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, grated (3 cups)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 (2-ounce) jars sliced pimentos, drained (1/2 cup)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again.
  • Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko and cook, stirring often, until golden and toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  • Melt remaining 8 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add flour and paprika, stir well, and cook until vegetables are coated, about 1 minute.
  • While whisking, carefully stream in the milk until smooth and incorporated. Bring to a simmer while continuing to whisk. Simmer, whisking often, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese and pimentos, and stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Evenly sprinkle the toasted panko on top. Bake until golden and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then serve.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and flavorful chicken sausage will make all the difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
  • Use a good quality cheese: A sharp cheddar cheese will give the mac and cheese a rich, flavorful taste. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, for a more complex flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to the mac and cheese. You can also try different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
  • Make it ahead of time: Pimento mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great dish for busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

Pimento mac and cheese with chicken sausage is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it cheesy, spicy, or packed with vegetables, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pimento mac and cheese with chicken sausage a try. You won't be disappointed!

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