Indulge in the delectable harmony of macaroni and pimiento cheese, seamlessly blended into bite-sized morsels of pure bliss. These macaroni and pimiento cheese bites are crafted with the utmost care, featuring a crispy golden crust that yields to a tender, cheesy center, bursting with savory macaroni and the tangy, creamy embrace of pimiento cheese. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors, making them the perfect appetizer, party snack, or delectable side dish.
Within this culinary guide, you'll embark on a journey through three distinct variations of this classic dish, each offering its unique charm and taste profile. The first recipe showcases the classic macaroni and pimiento cheese combination, capturing the essence of this Southern comfort food in every bite. The second recipe elevates the experience with the addition of succulent bacon, adding a smoky, savory dimension that takes these bites to new heights. And for those seeking a touch of heat, the third recipe incorporates spicy jalapeños, igniting your taste buds with a fiery kick.
PIMIENTO MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the broiler. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, mushrooms and 2 teaspoons thyme. Cook, tossing occasionally, until tender and beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables; cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and milk and bring to a boil, stirring, until the mixture is thick and creamy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tuna and 1/2 cup pimiento cheese; stir until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pasta until combined; season with salt and pepper.
- Dollop the remaining 1/2 cup pimiento cheese on the pasta mixture and broil until the cheese is melted and browned in spots, 1 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the cracker crumbs and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme and broil until the crackers begin to brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let cool 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 760, Fat 36 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Cholesterol 77 milligrams, Sodium 1143 milligrams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 40 grams, Sugar 11 grams
MACARONI-AND-PIMIENTO CHEESE BITES
"Wow everyone with easy & delicious bites that are the perfect party poppers!" From Southern Living Jan 2008, submitted by Melody lee Dothan.
Provided by Meredith .F
Categories Cheese
Time 32m
Yield 5 1/2 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and next 3 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Cheddar cheese and pimiento until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in pasta.
- Line a 13- x 9-inch pan with plastic wrap, allowing several inches to extend over edges of pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Cool slightly; cover and chill 8 hours. Remove macaroni mixture from pan, and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Stir together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish or pie plate. Whisk together eggs and 1/2 cup milk in another shallow dish or pie plate; dip macaroni bites in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
- Pour oil to depth of 1 inch in a large skillet; heat to 350°. Fry bites, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.3, Fat 31.3, SaturatedFat 18.4, Cholesterol 164.4, Sodium 1124.8, Carbohydrate 55.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.8, Protein 30
PIMENTO MAC AND CHEESE
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
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.
SPICY PIMIENTO CHEESEBURGER MACARONI
The culinary gem of the south and your favorite box of Hamburger Helper™ join forces to turn your weeknight dinner into a gourmet burger winner.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add green onion whites and jalapeño chile; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are soft. Transfer to small bowl.
- In same skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper and green onion mixture.
- Stir in milk, hot water, and uncooked pasta and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper™ box). Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in pimientos and lemon juice. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese. Remove from heat; sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; cover and let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with green onion greens and crumbled crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 510, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1310 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 1 g
MACARONI AND PIMIENTO CHEESE
If you like pimiento cheese sandwiches toasted or grilled, you will probably like this skillet version of mac and cheese with pimiento. Based on Golden Baked Macaroni and Pimiento Cheese from the January 2008 Southern Living magazine, I omit the topping and do not bake it. See also chef Meredith. F's recipe#280873 for an appetizer version which is chilled, cut, breaded, and fried.
Provided by Deb G
Categories Cheese
Time 22m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Do not salt water.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in 2 milk, salt, red pepper, and garlic powder; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and pimiento until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in drained pasta until well coated with the cheese sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 428.5, Fat 22, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 66.3, Sodium 707.9, Carbohydrate 39.4, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 1.5, Protein 18.2
FRIED MACARONI-AND-CHEESE BITES
Make way for little squares of heaven -- these fried morsels are sure to be voted most popular at any party. You can (and should) prepare the stovetop macaroni and cheese a few days ahead, since it will firm up in the refrigerator, for easier cutting. Then follow a two-step breading process, using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crust that's crisp yet light. Don't be put off by the yield; the squares fry quickly, in three or four batches, and you can reheat replenishments over the course of the evening -- whenever the platter is wiped clean (which will be often).This recipe originally appeared in "Martha Stewart's Appetizers" (Clarkson Potter).
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 10 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions; drain.
- In pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden and has a nutty aroma, about 4 minutes. Whisking constantly, slowly add milk. Cook, whisking along bottom of pot, until boiling, about 7 minutes. Reduce heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the mustard powder, and cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is smooth; season with salt. Add macaroni to sauce, and stir to combine.
- Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment; brush parchment lightly with oil. Spread macaroni mixture evenly in dish. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 8 hours.
- Invert set macaroni and cheese onto a cutting board and remove parchment. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.
- Whisk eggs in a shallow dish. In a shallow dish, season panko with salt. Dip macaroni squares, a few at a time, in eggs, allowing excess to drip off into dish, then roll in panko mixture to coat completely. Transfer to a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium until shimmering. Working in batches, add coated squares in a single layer (do not crowd pan); cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are crisp and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined rack to drain and cool slightly. Wipe skillet clean. Repeat process with more oil and remaining squares. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese and creamy, sharp cheddar are essential for a rich and flavorful filling.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, but drain it a little early so that it retains a slight bite. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the mixture.
- Make sure the macaroni is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent the cheese from melting and becoming too runny.
- Use a food processor or blender to finely chop the pimiento peppers. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the filling.
- Season the filling to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices, such as cayenne pepper or paprika, for a little extra kick.
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the filling for each bite. This will help you create uniform-sized bites that cook evenly.
- Coat the bites in breadcrumbs before frying them. This will help them stay crispy and golden brown.
- Fry the bites in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure the oil is not too hot, or the bites will burn before they have a chance to cook through.
- Drain the bites on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and pimiento cheese bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With their creamy, cheesy filling and crispy breadcrumb coating, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, give macaroni and pimiento cheese bites a try!
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