Mac & Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Name: Mac & Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 30
Ingredients: 1 pkg. macaroni and cheese dinner; 48 RITZ Crackers, finely crushed, divided; 1 egg, beaten; 4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled; 2 tsp. pickled jalapeño nacho slices; ¼ lb. pasteurized cheese product loaf, cut into 30 cubes; vegetable oil for frying

These fun appetizer bites will add a bit of spice to your party. Bite sized balls of jalapeño spiked macaroni and cheese are fried crisp for a cheesy snack.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 min

Servings:

Makes 30 servings.

Ingredient list

1 pkg. (14 oz.) macaroni and cheese dinner
48 RITZ Crackers, finely crushed, divided
1 egg, beaten
4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
2 tsp. chopped drained pickled jalapeño nacho slices
¼ lb. (4 oz.) pasteurized cheese product loaf, cut into 30 cubes
vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Prepare macaroni and cheese in large saucepan as directed on package. Add 1 cup cracker crumbs, egg, bacon and jalapeños; mix well. Cool 20 min.

Shape macaroni and cheese mixture into 30 balls, using scant 1/4 cup macaroni mixture for each ball.

Insert 1 cheese product cube into center of each ball, completely enclosing cube. Roll, 1 at a time, in remaining cracker crumbs until evenly coated.

Place in single layer on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

Heat oil to 375°F in deep fryer. Add macaroni balls, a few at a time; cook 2 min. or until golden brown. Drain well.

Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Note
If you don't have a deep fryer, you can cook the macaroni balls in hot oil in a large saucepan instead.
Make Ahead
The macaroni balls can be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking as directed.
Make it Easy
Use a small (1-oz.) ice cream scoop to portion the macaroni mixture for each popper.