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Baked Pimento Bacon Mac & Cheese

Baked Pimento Bacon Mac & Cheese

By Traeger Kitchen

Throw some flavor into your mac & cheese routine. We’re not just stopping at that wood-fired flavor, we’re also adding a southern staple, pimento’s and combining it with bacon in this recipe to give it a sweet and smoky kick.

Prep Time

30 Min

Cook Time

45 Min

Pellets

Apple
Yields: 6 Servings

Ingredients

main
  • 4 Tablespoonbutter
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1/4 Cupplus 1 tablespoon diced pimento peppers
  • 2 Clovegarlic, minced
  • 5 Tablespoonflour
  • 2 1/2 Cupheavy cream
  • 1 1/2 Cupwhole milk
  • 3 Sprigfresh thyme
  • 1 Sprigrosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Tablespoonwhole black peppercorns
  • 1 Poundshredded Gruyere cheese
  • To Tastesalt
  • 1 Poundelbow macaroni
  • 1 Cuppanko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 CupParmesan cheese
  • 4 Tablespoonbutter, melted
  • 1/2 Tablespoonsmoked paprika
  • 1/4 Cupcrumbled cooked bacon
  • 1 Teaspoonfresh chopped parsley
Units of Measurement:

Step

  • Step 1

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 350℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

  • Step 2

    Heat butter in a medium stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and peppers, sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent and tender. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds more. Add flour and stir well with a wooden spoon.

    Ingredients
    • 4 Tablespoon butter

    • 1  yellow onion

    • 1/4 Cup plus 1 tablespoon diced pimento peppers

    • 2 Clove garlic, minced

    • 5 Tablespoon flour

  • Step 3

    Cook roux for 1 minute until it smells slightly nutty. While whisking, stream in milk and cream and continue to whisk until flour clumps are worked out.

    Ingredients
    • 2 1/2 Cup heavy cream

    • 1 1/2 Cup whole milk

  • Step 4

    Wrap herbs and black peppercorn in cheese cloth and tie up with twine. Drop into cream mixture and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until liquid thickens. Remove cheese cloth with herbs and discard.

    Ingredients
    • 3 Sprig fresh thyme

    • 1 Sprig rosemary

    • 2  bay leaves

    • 1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns

  • Step 5

    Remove from heat, whisk in Gruyere until melted through and season with salt. Set aside until noodles are ready.

    Ingredients
    • 1 Pound shredded Gruyere cheese

    • To Taste salt

  • Step 6

    Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook 6 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse pasta. Add to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour mixture into a large cast iron pan.

    Ingredients
    • 1 Pound elbow macaroni

  • Step 7

    In a small bowl, combine panko, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, paprika and stir well. Sprinkle mixture over mac and cheese.

    Ingredients
    • 1 Cup panko breadcrumbs

    • 1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese

    • 4 Tablespoon butter, melted

    • 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika

  • Step 8

    Place cast iron pan directly on the grill grate and bake 15 to 20 minutes until cheese sauce is bubbling and top is lightly browned.

    00:15

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

  • Step 9

    Remove from the grill, top with bacon and chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy!

    Ingredients
    • 1/4 Cup crumbled cooked bacon

    • 1 Teaspoon fresh chopped parsley

My Notes


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