Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Health score
12%
Pimiento Mac and Cheese
65 min.
6
382kcal

Suggestions


If you’re searching for a dish that combines comforting nostalgia with a vibrant twist, look no further than this Pimiento Mac and Cheese. This delightful recipe offers a rich and creamy sauce packed with flavors from extra-sharp cheddar, whole-milk mozzarella, and a hint of smoky heat from ground ancho chiles. The addition of mild Peppadew peppers and roasted red bell pepper elevates the traditional mac and cheese experience, providing an unexpected pop of sweetness and tang.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a side dish at your next gathering, this Pimiento Mac and Cheese is incredibly versatile. It makes a satisfying main course or can complement grilled meats or salads beautifully. The crunchy panko topping adds an irresistible texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta beneath.

In just 65 minutes, you can whip up a dish that feeds six hungry mouths while tantalizing their taste buds. Plus, each serving only packs around 382 calories, making it a rich yet manageable indulgence. So grab your favorite baking dish, preheat your oven, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this luxurious rendition of a classic comfort food!

Ingredients

  • 0.3 teaspoon ground ancho chiles 
  • 1.3 cups coarsely cheddar cheese extra-sharp packed grated ()
  •  garlic cloves divided halved
  • 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese divided freshly grated
  • 0.8 cup mild peppadew peppers in brine drained
  • ounce bell pepper red seeded cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ounces shell pasta 
  • cup coarsely whole-milk mozzarella packed grated ()
  • tablespoons butter unsalted divided room temperature

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • pot
  • baking pan

Directions

  1. Bring 1/2 cup water, bell pepper, and 1 1/2 garlic cloves to boil in small saucepan. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pepper is soft, about 15 minutes.
  2. Toast panko in skillet over medium-high heat until golden, stirring often, 5 to 6 minutes.
  3. Transfer to bowl; cool to lukewarm. Rub 1 tablespoon butter into crumbs to coat.
  4. Mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  5. Transfer bell pepper mixture to processor.
  6. Add Peppadews and 1 tablespoon brine, 2 tablespoons butter, ground chiles, and 1/2 garlic clove; then add cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Blend until sauce is smooth; season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 8-cup baking dish (or 6 individual dishes). Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite.
  8. Drain; return to pot. Stir sauce and mozzarella into pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon pasta into dish.
  9. Sprinkle with crumb topping.
  10. Bake pasta until topping is crisp and sauce is bubbling, about 25 minutes (15 for individual).
  11. Let stand 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories382kcal
Protein21.03%
Fat39.91%
Carbs39.06%

Properties

Glycemic Index
23.5
Glycemic Load
12.07
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
17.800869604816%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
1.08mg
Kaempferol
0.02mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
0.51mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:382.34kcal
19.12%
Fat:17g
26.15%
Saturated Fat:9.61g
60.03%
Carbohydrates:37.43g
12.48%
Net Carbohydrates:34.56g
12.57%
Sugar:3.62g
4.02%
Cholesterol:49.23mg
16.41%
Sodium:481.6mg
20.94%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:20.15g
40.3%
Vitamin C:57.69mg
69.92%
Selenium:38.54µg
55.06%
Calcium:445.94mg
44.59%
Phosphorus:379.75mg
37.98%
Vitamin A:1732.45IU
34.65%
Manganese:0.48mg
24.02%
Zinc:2.7mg
17.97%
Vitamin B2:0.27mg
15.95%
Vitamin B6:0.25mg
12.5%
Fiber:2.86g
11.46%
Magnesium:44.07mg
11.02%
Vitamin B12:0.56µg
9.41%
Folate:36.9µg
9.23%
Vitamin B1:0.13mg
8.41%
Copper:0.16mg
8.1%
Potassium:259.43mg
7.41%
Vitamin B3:1.46mg
7.28%
Vitamin E:1.05mg
7.01%
Iron:1.1mg
6.13%
Vitamin K:5.1µg
4.86%
Vitamin B5:0.45mg
4.54%
Vitamin D:0.29µg
1.92%
Source:Epicurious