Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells

Name: Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce).
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked small pasta shells; 20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided; 2 large eggs; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Oil for deep-fat frying

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. Cook: 15 min. YIELD: 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce).

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked small pasta shells
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided
2 large eggs
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

1. Cook pastas separately according to their package directions for al dente; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add Velveeta, cheddar cheese, cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from heat.
2. In another large saucepan, combine small pasta shells and half the cheese mixture; set aside. For dipping sauce, stir 1 cup milk into remaining cheese mixture; keep warm.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with remaining milk. In another shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Fill each large shell with scant 1/4 cup pasta mixture. Dip in flour to coat all sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in bread crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere.
4. In an electric skillet or a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shells, a few at a time, 1-2 minutes on each side or until dark golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 appetizer with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.