When you go out to eat a meal at a restaurant, you expect there to be a question that is asked of you before you order your main dish. The server will ask if you want an appetizer and more than likely, you’re going to indulge yourself with something delicious that you usually don’t eat at home.
If you are somebody that enjoys an appetizer but doesn’t always have them at home, that is about to change. Once you see how easy it is to make these fried Bacon mac & cheese sticks, you will want to try them on the menu. After you taste how delicious they are, they will be a permanent addition.
Ingredients:
8 ounces elbow pasta
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
½ cup bacon, crumbled
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups flour
4 eggs
2 cups bread crumbs
Directions:
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook elbow pasta. Stir occasionally for about 7 minutes, or until al dente.
2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter completely and whisk in flour for 2 minutes to create a light roux.
3. Add milk to the roux and season it with salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce fully thickens.
4. Gradually add cheese to your sauce and stir until fully combined.
5. Add cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to your cheese sauce and stir until each noodle is fully coated.
6. Remove mac and cheese from the heat and pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread evenly and freeze for 2 hours in the freezer.
7. Cut the frozen mac and cheese into sticks.
8. Batter sticks in flour, egg, and bread crumbs.
9. Preheat a deep fryer or pot of oil to 325 degrees.
10. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then drain on a paper towel.
11. Serve as is, or with ketchup or marinara sauce. Enjoy!