Pimento Mac And Cheese Bites Recipes

MACARONI-AND-PIMIENTO CHEESE BITES

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.

PIMIENTO MAC AND CHEESE

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.

FRIED PIMENTO MAC AND CHEESE

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.