Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 mililiters) flour
• 1 cup (250 mililiters) milk
• 1/3 cup (75 mililiters) plus 3 tablespoons (45ml) FRANK'S RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• 2 cups (500 mililiter) shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, divided
• 4 ounces (115 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 1/4 cups (310 mililiters) panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

directions

1. MELT butter in large saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add 1/3 cup of the RedHot Sauce and cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Remove 1/2 cup cheese sauce and place in small microwave-safe bowl; set aside.
2. ADD 1 egg to remaining cheese sauce in saucepan, stirring to mix well. Add cooked macaroni, stirring gently to coat. Spread mixture evenly in 13x9-inch pan. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
3. POUR 2 inches of oil into large deep skillet. Heat oil to 350°F on medium heat. Whisk remaining 3 tablespoons RedHot Sauce and remaining egg in small bowl. Place panko in separate shallow dish. Scoop cold mac & cheese mixture into about 24 heaping tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Dip in egg mixture, shaking gently to remove excess. Then roll in panko to coat. Repeat until all mac & cheese balls are coated.
4. WORKING IN BATCHES, gently place mac & cheese balls in hot oil, being sure not to over-crowd the oil. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. RE-HEAT reserved cheese sauce in microwave 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds. Serve Mac & Cheese bites with hot cheese sauce for dipping.