Easter Eats! Macaroni and cheese bites

Golden, chewy and crispy, these cheesy bites are sure to please little ones and grown-ups alike!

Ingredients

Servings: 4

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 cup flour, divided

• 1 cup 15% cooking cream

• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

• 1/4 cup cream cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 cups vegetable oil

• 1 cup store-bought marinara sauce

• A few fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. In a large pot, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pot, melt the butter. Add a 1/4 cup of flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the roux is golden brown.

3. Add the cooking cream a little at a time, whisking constantly. Add the cheeses gradually, allowing them to melt between each addition. Add the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from the heat.

4. Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a large shallow dish. Place in the refrigerator and let stand for at least one hour.

5. Put the remaining flour, 2 eggs (lightly whisked) and breadcrumbs into 3 separate bowls. Set aside.

6. Using your hands, shape the cooled macaroni and cheese into balls. Coat each ball, first with flour, then the beaten egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.

7. Heat the vegetable oil to 350 F in a large pot. Fry the balls in small batches for about 5 minutes, until golden brown. Set aside on a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat until all balls are fried.

8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with marinara sauce.