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12 Incredible Recipes to Take Tailgating to the Next Level

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Mac and Cheese Bites 3/13

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Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese bites are an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy coating, making them a perfect tailgating snack that’s easy to grab and go! Don’t be surprised if these delicious treats are among the first to go! 

Ingredients (for 24 bites):

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
  • 2 eggs, beaten (for breading)
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 min. to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  4. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well to coat.
  5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Stir in the beaten egg to bind the mac and cheese.
  6. Roll spoonfuls of the cooled mac and cheese into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for at least 30 min. to firm up.
  7. Once firm, set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each mac and cheese ball in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
  8. Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches, cooking for 2-3 min. each, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or room temperature with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.

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Chef Tips and Tricks

VIDEO: Tasty Beef Tomato Pockets

Looking for an easy snack or party appetizer? These little beef pockets are a pinch!

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Water

 Filling:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

 Method

  1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, milk, and water in a pan, and mix until you form a dough.
  2. In a saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil and add the onion. Cook on medium-high until onion has softened.  
  3. Add the ground beef, and add the salt, water, and tomato sauce. When the meat has browned, remove from heat. 
  4. Dust a flat surface with flour, and roll out the dough into a flat sheet. 
  5. Use a ramekin or cup to cut out circles. 
  6. Add a dollop of beef-tomato mixture to the center of each circle. 
  7. Pinch the dough into a little pocket.
  8. Bake in the oven at 350° F for 15 minutes.
  9. Enjoy!