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picnic idea Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with Sweet Basil Marinara

Picnic Idea Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with Sweet Basil Marinara

A delightful picnic idea featuring Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with Sweet Basil Marinara that are creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Uncategorized
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock can be replaced with vegetable stock for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Evaporated Milk or regular milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded) can swap with Monterey Jack or Gruyère
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) can be replaced with provolone
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika adds more depth
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper can substitute with white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust according to taste
For Frying and Breading
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil or canola or peanut oil
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch can be excluded
  • 2 large Eggs or flax eggs for vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon Water can omit or use milk
  • 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs can substitute with regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic in reduced quantity
For the Sweet Basil Marinara
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes fresh tomatoes can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar or honey or agave syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or any light tasting oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Basil or fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust for taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Immersion Blender
  • Shallow Bowls
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, combine elbow macaroni, chicken stock, and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until cheeses are melted and pasta is well coated.
  3. Spread the macaroni mixture onto a lined baking sheet and let it cool before chilling in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
  4. Pulse diced tomatoes until smooth, then combine with brown sugar, olive oil, dried basil, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until thickened.
  5. Set up three shallow bowls with flour and cornstarch, egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder. This is your breading station.
  6. Cut the cooled macaroni mixture into 24 squares. Dip in flour, then in egg mixture, then coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded bites in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  8. Once fried, drain on paper towels and serve warm with Sweet Basil Marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1biteCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy bites that are perfect for any picnic or gathering with family and friends.

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