2 tablespoons Frank's RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
1 cup shredded yellow cheddar cheese (100 g)
Assembly
1 cup shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese (100 g)
3 cups canola oil (720 mL)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs (90 g)
kosher salt, to taste
Frank's RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce, for serving
How to Make It
1. Step
Make the mac 'n' cheese: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Step
Return the pot to medium heat. Add the butter, flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper and cook, whisking, for 2 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mixture is evenly combined. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk and cook until the sauce starts to thicken, 3–4 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, add the Frank's RedHot® and cheddar cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted.
3. Step
Pour the sauce into the bowl with the macaroni and stir until the pasta is well-coated. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
4. Step
Assemble the fried mac 'n' cheese: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the mac 'n' cheese has cooled, add the mozzarella cheese and stir to combine.
5. Step
Scoop the mac 'n' cheese mixture into 1½-inch bites, rolling into smooth balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes.
6. Step
Heat the canola oil in a heavy deep pot over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 375°F (190°C).
7. Step
In the meantime, in a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well-combined. Add the panko bread crumbs to a separate shallow bowl. Coat the mac 'n' cheese bites in the egg wash, then cover completely in the bread crumbs.
8. Step
When the oil is hot, add the mac 'n' cheese bites to the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown (work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and immediately sprinkle with salt.
9. Step
Arrange the bites on a serving platter and drizzle with Frank's RedHot® or serve in a dish alongside for dipping.
10. Step
Enjoy!
11. Step
Note: If you don’t have a thermometer, test the temperature of the oil using a wooden chopstick. Dip the tip of the chopstick in the oil. The oil is hot enough to fry when bubbles form around the chopstick.
