Mac Bacon Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
14 strips (284g) of bacon, cooked.
02 -
227g of elbow pasta noodles.
03 -
30g butter or reserved bacon grease.
04 -
16g plain flour.
05 -
Just over a cup (270ml) of milk.
06 -
227g shredded sharp cheddar.
07 -
227g shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
08 -
Seasoning blend: salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and a pinch of nutmeg.
09 -
125g plain flour for coating.
10 -
2 beaten large eggs.
11 -
180g seasoned panko crumbs.
12 -
Another seasoning mix: salt, pepper, and onion powder.
13 -
Vegetable oil to fry.
# Instructions:
01 -
Fry bacon till crispy, save 2 spoonfuls of the grease, chop it into bits.
02 -
Boil pasta for 7 minutes, whip up a roux with butter/flour, mix with milk and spices, stir in cheese, fold in pasta and chopped bacon, let it chill for 3+ hours.
03 -
Cut the chilled mix into 36 squares, dust with flour, dip into egg mix, then coat in breadcrumbs. Freeze these until you're ready to fry.
04 -
Fry in hot oil (360-370°F) 4-5 minutes per batch, set on paper towels to drain, serve hot and crispy.
# Notes:
01 -
You can freeze before frying.
02 -
The pasta and cheese mix can be prepped in advance.
03 -
Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
04 -
Perfect finger food for gatherings.
05 -
Double the batch if serving more people.
06 -
Works great as a small appetizer.