Fried Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

Directions

• Step 1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Step 2 Lay bacon slices evenly on a large sheet pan lined with foil. Bake bacon in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Mince bacon into bits and set aside.
• Step 3 Boil macaroni in a large pot for 8 minutes, until macaroni is al dente. Drain well and place the same pot on low heat. Add the milk and cubed Velveeta. Stir over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in mozzarella, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Turn heat off and fold in macaroni and bacon bits until combined.
• Step 4 Pour out macaroni and cheese onto a large sheet pan. Spread in an even layer and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool. Once cooled use a small cookie scoop, roll macaroni and cheese into 1 inch balls, forming about 45.
• Step 5 Place flour in a shallow pan and season with kosher salt. Beat the eggs in a shallow pan and place panko in a separate pan. Roll the balls in flour, then dip in the egg to coat, and roll in the panko, pressing to coat completely. Place breaded mac and cheese balls on a sheet pan.
• Step 6 Heat canola oil in a large heavy bottomed pot. Heat over medium high heat until a deep-fry thermometer comes to 350 degrees F. Turn heat down to medium low for frying so oil doesn’t overheat. If oil gets cold turn up the heat to get it back to 350 degrees F.
• Step 7 Fry mac and cheese balls in batches. Use a stainless steel spider or a slotted metal spoon, turning and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove to a sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain. While still hot, season with a sprinkle of kosher salt.
• Step 8 Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately. Enjoy!