Bacon Alfredo Mac and Cheese Bites

By Coppermouse

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick cut bacon
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1 (7.25 ounce) box macaroni and cheese (I used Alfredo this time)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for mac and cheese)
• 1/4 cup milk (for mac and cheese)
• 1/2 cup flour (for mac and cheese)
• 10-12 pepper jack cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup Progresso™ panko bread crumbs
• 1.5 quarts vegetable oil

Preparation

Step 1

Render the bacon in a large sauté pan. Once cooked, drain on a few paper towels and place in a food processor. Pulse until they become bacon bits. Add the cilantro and pulse a few more times to combine.

2. In the meantime, cook the macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Add the flour to the mix and toss to combine. Add the bacon-cilantro mixture to the pasta. Stir to combine.

3. Place a small fistful of pasta in your hand and place a pepper jack cube right inside. Wrap the pasta around the cheese and really pack it tight. (This helps them stay together and not fall apart.) Toss the pasta balls with panko, covering it well. Place each ball on a small tray. Once all the balls are made, place the tray in the freezer while you heat the oil.

4. Pour the oil into a deep, wide pan. Once the oil is hot, place a few balls in the pan and fry all over until golden brown. Place the bites on paper towels to lightly drain.

5. Serve the pasta bites with fresh lime wedges and cilantro sprigs as garnish.