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Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites

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PREP TIME
40 min
COOKING TIME
30 min
TOTAL TIME
430 min
SERVINGS
8 servings
Dinner
Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup pimento cheese spread
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed
  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1
Acquire the necessary components.
2
Combine water and salt in a large pot, then heat it over high intensity until boiling vigorously. Introduce macaroni into the pot and return to a rolling boil. Continue cooking, uncovered and occasionally stirring, until the macaroni is cooked through but retains some firmness in the center, approximately 7 minutes. Drain excess water.
3
Add butter and milk to the cooked macaroni, then stir in a cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese packaging.
4
Combine Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend into the macaroni mixture while it is still warm. Continue stirring until all ingredients are fully incorporated and melted.
5
Transfer the macaroni mixture to a container, refrigerate until it solidifies, approximately 4 hours.
6
Prepare a surface for shaping the macaroni mixture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then remove the refrigerated macaroni mixture from the container. Using a cookie scoop, create uniform balls from the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Place the macaroni mixture in the freezer for at least 2 hours to solidify.
8
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Create a breading station by whisking bread crumbs with paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, salt, and cayenne in a shallow dish. Set aside.
9
In a separate bowl, combine eggs with 3 tablespoons of milk and beat until well-mixed. Remove the frozen mac balls from the freezer, coat them in the egg mixture, and then dredge them in the breading mixture.
10
Fry the mac balls in hot oil in small batches until they turn golden brown, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot