Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese coated in Doritos and fried to golden perfection. This is the perfect appetizer for a party!

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

1. Bring water to a boil and cook elbow pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted completely, add the flour and whisk until combined and starting to bubble.
3. 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.
4. 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.)
5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and cut the mac and cheese into 2-inch squares or triangles.
3. Add 2 inches of oil to a deep fryer or medium saucepan and preheat to 325°F.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Repeat for the remaining pieces and serve warm.