SFist Does the Super Bowl: Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese
It's hard to go wrong with Mac and Cheese, so we decided to pick the most gluttonous version we could find, Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese, by Ms. Paula Deen. (Well, actually, there's an even more gluttonous version of this recipe, which includes a strip of bacon wrapped around each serving, but we thought that was going a bit too far.)
In the words of Food Network commenter, Kodi from Verona, WI, "THIS IS GREAT AND SO EASY TO MAKE IF NO ONE LIKES THIS THEY MUST BE FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY. THANKS PAULA." So, if you don't like this recipe, you're un-American!
Note: This recipe is made in two parts. Paula's Lady's Cheesy Mac must be prepared and refrigerated over night, and then deep fried the next day. So, if you're too lazy to fry it on Sunday, you still have regular Mac and Cheese already made. For the deep frying portion, you'll need a dutch oven. No, we're not talking about that kind of dutch oven, although you'll have ample opportunity for that after consuming all of that Super Bowl fare.
Step One: The Lady's Cheesy Mac
* 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
* 2 cups grated Cheddar
* 3 eggs, beaten
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot, add the Cheddar. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese, if desired.
Refrigerate overnight.
Step Two: Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese
* Peanut oil, for frying
* 1 recipe "The Lady's Cheesy Mac" prepared, chilled overnight, and cut into 15 bite-sized squares
* Flour, for dredging
* 1 egg, beaten
* Plain bread crumbs, for dredging
Heat 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
Dredge each Cheesy Mac square in flour, then egg, and then bread crumbs to coat. Fry for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.