Fried Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese baked, cut and deep fried. Is there anything else I need to say?
Macaroni and cheese baked, cut and deep fried. Is there anything else I need to say?
- Carbohydrate 67.29753741544 g
- Cholesterol 99.0207473426667 mg
- Fat 36.7125332723467 g
- Fiber 2.53777503275871 g
- Protein 47.8707288228 g
- Saturated Fat 18.8521290335813 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (309g)
- Sodium 1514.67918277867 mg
- Sugar 64.7597623826813 g
- Trans Fat 2.17661187095734 g
- Calories 798 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare the macaroni noodles according to manufacturer instructions.
- Drain the noodles.
- Return the noodles to a medium heat pan. Add milk, 4 eggs, and 4-8 oz of any of the cheeses. Stir until melted. Do not add all the cheese at once; this increases the chances that it will burn. After each 4-8 ounce portion of cheese is melted, add the next 4-8 ounces.
- Once all the cheese has been added, bake in a non-stick pan for 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours to allow complete cooling.
- After it has cooled, remove it and cut into squares.
- Crack the two remaining eggs.
- Dip the macaroni squares in the flour mixed with salt and pepper to taste, then in the eggs, and then in the bread crumbs. Repeat until all have been coated.
- Heat oil to 375°F. (A deep fryer is recommended, but a large pot with enough oil to completely submerge the squares is acceptable.)
- Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Eat!
Fried Macaroni and Cheese: My Guilty Pleasure
Let me tell you about my love affair with fried macaroni and cheese. It's not your grandma's casserole; oh no, this is a culinary adventure! I'm a busy working mom, always juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and trying to keep the house from turning into a complete disaster zone. So when I need a quick yet indulgent comfort food, this recipe is my go-to. It’s the ultimate in cheesy, crispy goodness – and surprisingly easier to make than you might think.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can adapt it to your taste. Love spicy food? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Feel like experimenting with different cheeses? Go for it! The key is to have a good balance of cheeses that melt smoothly together, creating a creamy, flavorful base. I usually use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, asiago, and romano. The combination produces a rich and complex taste that is simply irresistible. The breadcrumb coating adds a delightful crunch, and deep-frying elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
I first discovered this recipe during a family trip to Italy. We were staying in a small village in the Tuscan countryside, and the local trattoria served this as an appetizer. I was blown away. The crisp exterior gave way to a molten interior of creamy, cheesy goodness; the combination of textures and flavors was simply divine. I knew I had to recreate it back home and adapt it for my own busy lifestyle. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home. The kids absolutely adore it, and my husband secretly hopes I make it at least once a week. It's a great party snack, a fun family meal, or a ridiculously satisfying dinner for one on a particularly stressful day.
The Process: Making fried macaroni and cheese is surprisingly straightforward. You start by cooking the macaroni, then creating a creamy cheese sauce with milk, eggs and a variety of cheeses. Don’t be shy with the cheese! The more, the merrier! Baking the mac and cheese allows it to set nicely, then chilling it overnight is crucial for easy cutting and frying. Cut the baked macaroni into squares, then coat them in seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Finally, it's the moment of truth: deep-frying until golden brown and crispy. The whole process is surprisingly quick, even accounting for the chilling time; it’s definitely worth the wait.
Serving Suggestions: While this fried mac and cheese is amazing on its own, feel free to get creative with how you serve it. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A tomato-based dipping sauce adds a nice contrast in flavors and textures. If you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo or even a creamy pesto dip. The possibilities are truly endless.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about the joy of creating something delicious, the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones, and the pure, unadulterated happiness of biting into a perfectly golden, crispy, cheesy square of fried mac and cheese. So, gather your ingredients, get your apron on, and prepare yourself for a culinary adventure of epic proportions. Your taste buds will thank you.
