Crunchy Creamy Mac and Cheese on a Stick

When it comes to creating the menu for gatherings, especially large family ones where there are kids and adults, I am a big fan of appealing to the masses.

What could be more appealing than good ole’ Mac n’ Cheese? For this Family Reunion, I decided to put a twist on the old favorite and create miniature Mac n’ Cheese sticks.

These are pure deliciousness and when served on a toothpick they're so easy to enjoy and your guests will absolutely love them!

Ingredients:

40 rigatoni noodles

6 ounces Velveeta Cheese

3/4 cups Italian Bread Crumbs

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

2 eggs lightly beaten + a dash of water for thinning

2 cups vegetable or canola oil

20 cherry tomatoes, halved

small lollipop sticks

Directions:

Boil pasta according to the box (minus one minute.) Rinse in cold water immediately and set to the side.

Cut Velveeta cheese in small, 1/4 in – 1/2 in rectangular pieces, small enough to fit inside of an individual noodle.

Stuff a cheese slice into each noodle until all are filled. Set aside.

Combine bread crumb, Parmesan cheese and parsley in one bowl and combine the egg and dash of water in another bowl.

Dredge each noodle in the egg mixture first, then into the bread crumb mixture to coat.

Place in a resealable container (these can be stacked on top of one another.) Repeat until all noodles are coated.

FREEZE in an air-tight container for a minimum of 2 hours.

Once frozen, heat 2 cups of oil in a skillet on medium heat. After a few minutes, splash a drop of water into the skillet – if it pops, you know it’s ready. Fry about 8 pieces at a time for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.

Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.

Once all noodles are cooked, put a cherry tomato half onto a toothpick, followed by a rigatoni noodle.

Add toothpick flags or décor of your choice to dress them up and you’ve got yourself a delicious, bit-sized treat!

This post was sponsored and inspired by Pear Tree Greetings, but the great ideas come from the creative minds of our contributors, not the advertiser. Inspire yourself and visit Pear Tree for photo holiday cards, stationery and baby announcements.