Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese coated in Doritos and fried to golden perfection. This is the perfect appetizer for a party!
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 351kcal
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk hot milk recommended
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Crust
- 2 cups Doritos any flavor, crushed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups flour
Instructions
Mac and Cheese
- Bring water to a boil and cook elbow pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted completely, add the flour and whisk until combined and starting to bubble.
- Add 1/4 cup of milk to the pan, whisking continuously. The mixture will start to bubble and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, at which point add another 1/4 cup milk. Continue adding milk and whisking until you have used all the milk and the sauce is thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cheese and stir with a spoon to combine. It should have a custard-like consistency. (If too thin, add more cheese.)
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the mac and cheese onto the parchment and spread to 1/2-inch thickness using a spatula. Place in the freezer for 2 hours to harden.
Frying
- Pulverize the Doritos, either using a food processor or by placing in a ziptop bag and pounding with a mallet or rolling pin. They should resemble a coarse powder when done.
- Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and cut the mac and cheese into 2-inch squares or triangles.
- Add 2 inches of oil to a deep fryer or medium saucepan and preheat to 325°F.
- Place 3 shallow bowls on a work surface. Place the flour into the first bowl, the beaten egg into the second and the crusted Doritos into the third.
- Dredge 4-5 pieces in flour, then egg and finally the Doritos before placing in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat for the remaining pieces and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Make Ahead: These are best served right away, but you can make them up to 2 hours ahead of time and store on a wire rack to stay crispy until serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 3pieces | Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 235mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 303IU | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 2mg | Net Carbs: 44g