Buffalo Mac and Cheese Bites

January 20th is National Cheese Lovers Day!

Buffalo Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe from Franks RedHot

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, divided
• 4 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
   • Gradually add the milk, whisking until thickened.
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/3 cup RedHot Sauce and cheese until melted. Remove from heat.
2. Separate the Cheese Sauce:
   • Set aside ½ cup of the cheese sauce in a small microwave-safe bowl for later.
   • Add 1 egg to the remaining cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
3. Combine with Macaroni:
   • Gently stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated.
   • Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 13×9-inch pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
4. Shape and Coat the Mac & Cheese Bites:
   • Heat 2 inches of oil in a large, deep skillet to 350°F.
   • Whisk the remaining 3 tbsp RedHot Sauce with 1 egg in a small bowl.
   • Place panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
   • Scoop chilled mac & cheese into 24 tablespoon-sized balls. Dip each ball into the egg mixture, shake off excess, and roll in panko to coat.
5. Fry the Bites:
   • Fry mac & cheese balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
   • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Serve with Hot Cheese Sauce:
   • Reheat the reserved cheese sauce in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
   • Serve the fried mac & cheese bites warm with the hot cheese sauce for dipping.