Prepare to have your taste buds utterly rocked, my friends! I’m about to introduce you to the ultimate food mashup that will have your kitchen exploding with flavor – the Deep-fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza with Butter Crunch. This dish is the stuff of legends, a culinary masterpiece that defies all the rules and delivers an epic explosion of cheesy, carb-loaded goodness. Get ready to become the envy of your friends and family with this insanely delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Deep-fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza with Butter Crunch
This recipe is an absolute game-changer, blending the comforting richness of mac and cheese with the irresistible crunch of fried dough and the gooey decadence of melted cheddar. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more with every bite. The addition of the butter crunch topping takes this dish to the next level, adding a satisfying crunch and a buttery, indulgent finish. Prepare to be amazed as the flavors come together in a sensational display of culinary prowess. This dish is the ultimate comfort food elevated to new heights, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Get ready for a cheese avalanche! This recipe calls for a delicious array of ingredients, including creamy cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, and pillowy-soft pizza dough. The butter crunch topping adds an irresistible crunch that ties the whole dish together. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a masterpiece!
- 8 oz (225g) – Elbow macaroni
- 4 cups (480g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb (454g) – Pizza dough, refrigerated or homemade
- 4 tbsp (60g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (100g) – Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a rich, creamy texture.
- Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza dough or make your own with a gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make Deep-fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza with Butter Crunch
Prepare to embark on a flavor journey like no other! This recipe may seem a bit involved, but trust me, the end result will be absolutely worth it. We’re about to take your kitchen by storm and transform ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting everything ready for the main event. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut it into strips. Shred the cheddar cheese and melt it with the cooked macaroni to create a creamy, cheesy filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, the fun part begins! Heat up some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, and carefully drop the dough strips into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Drain the fried dough on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
It’s time to assemble the masterpiece! Grab a baking sheet and arrange the fried dough strips in a knot pattern. Fill the center with the cheesy mac and cheese mixture, then top it all off with the butter crunch topping. Bake the pizza until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and irresistible.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
The final touch is to drizzle the pizza with a generous amount of melted butter, because you know what they say – there’s no such thing as too much butter! Serve this epic creation hot and fresh, and prepare to be the star of the show.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Spice: For a little heat, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mac and cheese filling.
- Bacon Bonus: Crispy bacon would be an incredible addition to this dish, adding a savory, smoky element.
- Herbal Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives would add a touch of brightness to the dish.
- Bake Instead of Fry: To reduce the greasiness, you can bake the dough strips instead of deep-frying them for a crisper texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A crisp green salad, a side of garlic bread, or a glass of your favorite craft beer.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The mac and cheese filling can be prepared a day or two in advance, making the assembly process a breeze on the day you plan to serve it.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deep-fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza with Butter Crunch. While it may not be the healthiest option, it’s definitely a feast for the senses. Embrace the decadence and enjoy every bite, because life is too short to deny yourself the pleasure of a truly epic culinary creation.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 67 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 1,050 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the mac and cheese in advance?
Absolutely! The mac and cheese filling can be prepared a day or two ahead of time, making the assembly process a breeze on the day you plan to serve it.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as a blend of cheddar and pepper jack or a combination of mozzarella and parmesan.
Is there a way to make this dish less greasy?
To reduce the greasiness, you can bake the fried dough strips instead of deep-frying them. This will give you a nice crispy texture without as much oil.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the pizza can be frozen, the texture and quality may suffer a bit. For the best results, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh from the oven.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
To keep the dough crisp, be sure to drain the fried dough strips well on paper towels before assembling the pizza. This will help absorb any excess oil and prevent sogginess.
Try These Next
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
- Deep Fried Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
- Truffle Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon
Indulge in the Cheesy Delight of Deep-Fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Cheese Avalanche
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deep-fried Cheddar Mac and Cheese Knot Pizza with Butter Crunch is a deliciously indulgent dish that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the fun of pizza, all wrapped in a crispy, buttery knot.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 package pizza dough
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.
3. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into strips. Place a spoonful of the mac and cheese mixture at one end of each strip and roll it up to form a knot.
4. Dip each knot in melted butter and then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the knots in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or jalapeños to the mac and cheese mixture.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, pizza, deep-fried, comfort food