Fried Bacon Mac and Cheese Balls | Party Food Magic

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers can provide a similar texture.

Preheat the Napoleon Prestige 500 gas grill to medium-low heat.

Place 1 pound of bacon on the grill rack to roast until crispy, about 40 minutes.

Bring a pot of water to a boil on the side burner and add 1-2 teaspoons of salt.

Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and set a timer for 6-6.5 minutes; check for doneness.

Strain the macaroni and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside to cool.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven on the grill.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of Yoder smoker's beef rub to the melted butter to create a roux; cook for about 60 seconds.

Slowly add 2 cups of half and half to the roux, stirring until thickened and smooth.

Once the mixture is bubbling, add 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces of American cheese, and 8 ounces of pimento cheese spread, whisking until melted and combined.

Chop the roasted bacon into small pieces and add to the cheese sauce along with the macaroni; mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a pan and cover with plastic wrap in contact with the surface to prevent a crust; chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight until solid.

Use a quarter cup scoop to portion out the mixture and roll into balls; aim for about 20 balls.

Chill the formed balls in the fridge for another hour before breading.

Set up a breading station with 1 cup of flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of Yoder beef rub, 3 beaten eggs mixed with 1/2 cup of half and half, and 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.

Coat each ball in flour, dip in the egg wash, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes; drain on paper towels.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens