Mac n’ Cheese

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I have been sitting on this recipe to send to all of you for several months. Earlier in the season, my family and I were attending a Panthers game and of course we were going to tailgate. Each family was asked to bring a side dish…so instead of doing the same old macaroni and cheese, I decided to put a twist on it. So here it is – the secret to my southern mac and cheese is Pimento Cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Shallots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped
  • 3 Pieces of Bacon, diced, cooked, reserving
  • 1 tablespoon bacon fat
  • 2 Tbsp Flour
  • 4 Cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tsp chopped Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Cup of Pimento Cheese
  • 1 Cup of shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 1 Cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese Salt and Black Pepper
  • 1 Pound of Pasta, cooked, your choice of elbow or penne
  • 1⁄2 Cup of Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Parlsey

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large sauté pan, sauté shallots and garlic with 1 tbsp of bacon fat, sauté until translucent. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9×13 casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac and Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered until bubbling and lightly browned on top 20-25 minutes.

This southern mac and cheese is sure to warm you up on these cold winter nights!

Ciao’, Glenn and Glenn