introduction

Just when you think macaroni and cheese can’t get any better, here come   homemade crispy fried mac and cheese bites  ! Topped with creamy macaroni and cheese noodles, the balls are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried for extra-crispy perfection. Pro tip: Double the recipe. I guarantee you won’t stop eating them!

For the bacon macaroni and cheese:

• 284g bacon (about 14 slices)
• 227 g elbow macaroni
• 30g bacon fat or unsalted butter   see notes
• 16 g all-purpose flour
• 270 ml of milk
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 227g grated strong cheddar cheese
• 227g grated Monterey Jack cheese

For the breading:

• 125 g all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large beaten eggs
• 180g seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• vegetable oil for frying