It's not hard to see why macaroni and cheese has stood the test of time and held its spot at the dinner table generation after generation. It's creamy and smooth, with a rich cheesiness that both children and adults can appreciate. Though you would be hard pressed to find a way to improve upon a bowl of classic macaroni and cheese, every now and then it's nice to mix it up a bit. That's where these recipes come in.
Fried macaroni and cheese may sound odd, but the second your teeth break that crunchy crust and the gooey cheese spills onto your tongue, you'll understand. The best part is that it can be made with last night's leftovers, ensuring that not a single noodle goes to waste.
Basic Fried Macaroni And Cheese Balls
Ingredients You Will Need:
2 cups of your favorite macaroni and cheese leftovers, chilled
1 ½ cups flour
2 eggs beaten
¼ cup milk
1 ½ cups bread crumbs
2 cups canola oil
Roll the chilled macaroni and cheese into balls about the size of a ping-pong balls. Pour the flour into one bowl, the eggs and milk into another and the bread crumbs into a third. Heat the canola oil in a medium-sized pot to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dredge the balls first in the flour, then in the egg and milk mixture and last in the bread crumbs, making sure to knock off the excess each time. Fry the balls until golden brown on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, about three to five minutes. Remove to a platter lined with paper towels, and serve while they are still piping hot.
Variations
Meaty Fried Macaroni And Cheese Balls
Ingredients You Will Need:
2 tablespoons canola oil
½ pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 sprigs thyme, leaves removed and roughly chopped
2 cups of your favorite macaroni and cheese, prepared and cooled
Heat the oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the macaroni and cheese, and sauté until the beef is well browned. Stir constantly to break up the beef as much as possible. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature, and mix it with the macaroni and cheese. Roll the mix into balls, and proceed to fry as instructed above.
Mexican Fried Macaroni And Cheese Balls
Ingredients You Will Need:
1 tablespoon canola oil
½ pound chorizo sausage or any other spicy sausage
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle chili in adobo, minced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
½ bunch cilantro, leaves removed and roughly chopped
2 cups of your favorite macaroni and cheese, prepared and chilled
Heat up the canola oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat, and add the first five ingredients. Break up the sausage with a spoon, and sauté until it is browned. Add the chipotle, and sauté for a few more minutes. Let come to room temperature, and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Roll the mix into balls, and proceed to fry as instructed above.
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