MACARONI-AND-PIMIENTO CHEESE BITES

Macaroni-And-Pimiento Cheese Bites image

Provided by Meredith .F

Categories Cheese

Time 32m

Yield 5 1/2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
3/4 cup fine breadcrumbs, dried
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
vegetable oil

Steps:

Prepare pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and next 3 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Cheddar cheese and pimiento until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in pasta.
Line a 13- x 9-inch pan with plastic wrap, allowing several inches to extend over edges of pan. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Cool slightly; cover and chill 8 hours. Remove macaroni mixture from pan, and cut into 1-inch squares.
Stir together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish or pie plate. Whisk together eggs and 1/2 cup milk in another shallow dish or pie plate; dip macaroni bites in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
Pour oil to depth of 1 inch in a large skillet; heat to 350°. Fry bites, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.3, Fat 31.3, SaturatedFat 18.4, Cholesterol 164.4, Sodium 1124.8, Carbohydrate 55.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.8, Protein 30