Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 0.8 cup breadcrumbs dry fine
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 8 oz elbow macaroni 
• 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
• 0.1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground pepper red
• 0.5 cup milk 
• 2 cups milk 
• 0.8 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 4 oz pimientos diced drained
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 serving vegetable oil 

Equipment

• frying pan
• oven
• whisk
• plastic wrap
• baking pan

Directions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and next 3 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Cheddar cheese and pimiento until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat, and stir in pasta.
4. Line a 13- x 9-inch pan with plastic wrap, allowing several inches to extend over edges of pan.
5. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Cool slightly; cover and chill 8 hours.
6. Remove macaroni mixture from pan, and cut into 1-inch squares.
7. Stir together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish or pie plate.
8. Whisk together eggs and 1/2 cup milk in another shallow dish or pie plate; dip macaroni bites in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture.
9. Pour oil to depth of 1 inch in a large skillet; heat to 35
10. Fry bites, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden.
11. Golden
12. Baked Macaroni and Pimiento Cheese: Prepare recipe as directed through Step
13. Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; do not chill. Omit eggs and 1/2 cup milk. Stir together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over mixture. Omit oil.
14. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.