DEEP-FRIED MAC & CHEESE SHELLS

Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells image

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 and the creamy richness on the inside. -Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 1h

Yield 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 12

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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

Steps:

Cook pastas separately according to 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., In another large saucepan, combine small pasta shells and half of the cheese mixture; set aside. For dipping sauce, stir 1 cup milk into remaining cheese mixture; keep warm., 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., 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 : Calories 340 calories, Fat 23g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.