Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Creamy Sauce: Milk, heavy cream, sour cream, and mayonnaise create a rich sauce that coats every noodle.
• Two-Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor while Monterey Jack melts smoothly.
• Classic Pimento Cheese Flavor: Diced pimentos, cheddar, and mayonnaise give this comfort food its Southern-inspired twist.
• Perfect for Baking: Cooking the macaroni just al dente keeps it from becoming too soft in the oven.
• Gooey Cheese Topping: A final sprinkle of cheese melts over the top without the need for breadcrumbs.

If you want more mac and cheese recipes, try my homemade creamy baked mac and cheese for a traditional version. For something with a little kick, make this jalapeño popper mac and cheese. You can also turn those familiar flavors into dinner with my easy Crockpot chili mac.

What Makes Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese Different?

Pimento cheese traditionally combines cheese, mild pimentos, and a creamy ingredient such as mayonnaise. This recipe brings those familiar flavors into a homemade macaroni and cheese sauce. Instead of using prepared pimento cheese, you build the sauce from scratch so you control the cheese, seasoning, pimentos, and creaminess in every batch.

Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact measurements.

• Elbow Macaroni: The curved noodles hold plenty of creamy cheese sauce. Cook them only until just al dente.
• Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These form the roux that thickens the sauce.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: The dairy creates a smooth, rich base without making the sauce overly heavy.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar supplies the bold cheese flavor. Reserve some for topping.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: This mild cheese melts smoothly and balances the sharper cheddar.
• Jarred Diced Pimentos: Drain them thoroughly so extra liquid does not thin the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: These simple seasonings round out the savory cheese sauce.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tang and helps keep the finished sauce creamy.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds familiar pimento cheese richness and distinguishes this dish from standard baked mac and cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the Pasta: Use shells, cavatappi, or another short pasta that catches the creamy sauce.
• Add Some Heat: Stir in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a little cayenne.
• Try Pepper Jack: Replace the Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack for extra heat.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before the final bake.
• Make It Smokier: Add a small amount of smoked paprika for another layer of savory flavor.

How to Make Pimento Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step Directions)

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, then drain well.

STEP 2: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until smooth and lightly golden.

STEP 3: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes, whisking regularly, until the sauce thickens.

STEP 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1¾ cups cheddar and ⅓ cup Monterey Jack until completely melted and smooth.

STEP 5: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise until fully combined.

STEP 6: Fold in the drained pimentos and cooked macaroni, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated.

STEP 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

STEP 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack over the top. Return the dish to the oven just until the cheese melts.

STEP 9: Let the pimento mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving so the creamy sauce can settle around the pasta.

Tips for Making Mac and Cheese With Pimento

• Shred the Cheese Yourself: Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Drain the Pimentos: Remove as much excess liquid as possible so the sauce stays thick and creamy.
• Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat before adding cheese to help create a smooth sauce.
• Taste Before Adding More Salt: Cheddar contributes saltiness, so taste the finished sauce first.
• Give It a Short Rest: Resting after baking helps the sauce settle while keeping the macaroni creamy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Macaroni and Cheese With Pimentos

• Overcooking the Pasta: The macaroni continues cooking in the oven, so stop at just al dente.
• Adding Cheese Over High Heat: Excessive heat can make cheese sauce grainy. Keep the heat low.
• Skipping the Roux Cooking Time: Cook the butter and flour for 1 minute before adding the dairy.
• Using Wet Pimentos: Drain jarred pimentos thoroughly to avoid thinning the sauce.
• Overbaking: Bake only until everything is hot and bubbly, then melt the final cheese topping.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven. Stir in a splash of milk if the sauce needs loosening.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pimento mac and cheese makes a hearty side alongside a lighter main dish. Pair it with baked halibut with lemon and dill topping for a bright contrast to the rich cheese sauce.

For a vegetable side, these buttery green beans almondine add color and crunch. A batch of homemade cheesy garlic pull-apart bread makes the meal especially filling.

Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese FAQs

Other Side Dish Recipes to Try

• My easy sautéed broccoli rabe is a quick vegetable side with plenty of savory flavor.
• These slow cooker glazed carrots are helpful when you want to keep the oven free.
• Try crispy Air Fryer Hasselback potatoes when you need another crowd-friendly side.
• This broccoli cheddar pasta salad combines pasta, broccoli, and cheddar in a cool, creamy side.
• My easy Caprese pasta salad is a fresh option for cookouts and summer meals.