Grilled Pepper Jack Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites

Allergens

Milk, Gluten

Ingredients

• 1. 4 large soft pretzel buns 2. 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni 3. 3 tbsp unsalted butter 4. 3 tbsp all
• purpose flour 5. 2 cups whole milk 6. 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded 7. 1/2 tsp paprika 8. 1/2 tsp ground mustard 9. 1/2 tsp salt 10. 1/4 tsp black pepper 11. 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 12. 3 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in milk. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Add Pepper Jack cheese, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Mix well.
6. Slice pretzel buns in half horizontally.
7. Place a spoonful of mac 'n' cheese mixture on each bottom half of the pretzel bun. Press gently to shape.
8. Dip the top side of each mac 'n' cheese bite into vegetable oil, then into breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
9. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill mac 'n' cheese bites for 2 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

Chef’s Insight

For added flavor and texture, try sprinkling some chopped scallions or bacon bits onto the mac 'n' cheese mixture before assembling.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.