Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed corn chips
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling macaroni
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
5. Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated.
7. Spread crushed corn chips on a plate.
8. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form mac and cheese mixture into 1-2 inch balls.
9. Dip each ball into beaten eggs and then roll in crushed corn chips, pressing chips into the ball to coat evenly.
10. Place coated balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
12. Fry mac and cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Bake at 375°F and fry at 375°F.
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 mac and cheese bites.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 250mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Use any type of pasta in place of elbow macaroni.
- Use any type of shredded cheese in place of cheddar cheese.
- Use any type of crushed chips in place of corn chips.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham to the mac and cheese mixture.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the mac and cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to coat each mac and cheese ball evenly with the egg and corn chip mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mac and cheese balls for consistent sizing.
- If the mac and cheese mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to thicken the sauce.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat mac and cheese bites in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve mac and cheese bites on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mac and cheese balls are falling apart, add more flour to the cheese sauce to thicken it.
- If the corn chip crust is not sticking to the mac and cheese balls, make sure to press the chips into the ball firmly before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook macaroni and cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use caution when frying to avoid burns from hot oil.
Food history:
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It originated in the United States in the late 18th century and has since become a staple in American cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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