Indulge in the epitome of comfort and flavor with Phatman’s Bacon Mac and Cheese. This dish is more than a classic—it’s a culinary symphony that harmonizes the richness of creamy cheese, the smokiness of bacon, and the nostalgic embrace of perfectly cooked macaroni.

Prepare to be swept away by the velvety cheese sauce that envelops each pasta strand. It all begins with the sizzling of bacon lardons, a prelude to a fragrant sauce creation. Malt vinegar adds a touch of complexity, while salted butter transforms into a silky roux, setting the stage for the symphony of flavors to come.

Gradually, the melody unfolds as whole milk intertwines with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red cheddar. These cheeses dance in harmony, weaving a tapestry of taste that’s rich, indulgent, and utterly inviting. A hint of Dijon mustard and the final addition of the bacon lardons bring the composition to its crescendo.

As you indulge in each forkful of Phatman’s Bacon Mac and Cheese, the layers of flavor unfold like a familiar melody. The creamy pasta, kissed by the bacon’s smokiness, carries with it the comfort of home. The subtle tang of Dijon mustard adds a tantalizing twist, while the panko-coated topping adds a satisfying crunch, a flourish that completes the composition.

This dish isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about the experience. It’s about gathering around a table and savoring the moments that matter. It’s about celebrating the timelessness of comfort food, where every bite is a journey through taste and texture, a reminder that simple pleasures can create the most memorable melodies.

So, embrace the warmth, the aroma, and the sheer delight of Phatman’s Bacon Mac and Cheese. It’s a dish that transcends generations, a culinary masterpiece that resonates with the essence of comfort, flavor, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love.

Phatman’s Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls: A Tale of Culinary Reinvention

Picture this: leftover bacon mac and cheese, lovingly crafted and savored in a previous meal. Now, imagine those creamy, cheesy remnants taking on a whole new life—one that’s crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Welcome to the world of Phatman’s Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls, where culinary transformation meets the art of creativity.

Leftovers, often overlooked, have found their moment in the spotlight. At Phatman’s, we believe in embracing every opportunity to let ingredients shine anew. And that’s precisely what we do with these delightful orbs of flavor. We take those remnants of comfort, those remnants of indulgence, and we give them a makeover that’s nothing short of magical.

The process begins with patience. As leftover bacon mac and cheese comes to room temperature, its flavors awaken, ready for their encore. But this isn’t just about reheating—it’s about reinvention. Gently rolling each spoonful between your palms, you shape them into bite-sized balls, preparing them for their crispy coat.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 8 oz bacon lardons
• 1 teaspoon malt vinegar
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated red cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz macaroni
• Salt, for boiling water

Instructions:

For the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a pan, fry the bacon lardons until they are slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
2. Deglaze the pan with malt vinegar, scraping up any flavorful bits. Add salted butter and let it melt.
3. Add all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Let the mixture simmer, allowing it to thicken.
5. Stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and grated red cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Return the cooked bacon lardons to the sauce. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while you prepare the macaroni.

For the Mac and Cheese:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until it’s just al dente. Follow the package instructions for timing.
2. Drain the macaroni and immediately add it to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta with the sauce.

Final Steps:

1. Serve Phatman’s Bacon Mac and Cheese with a sense of anticipation. As you dig into the velvety macaroni enveloped in the rich cheese sauce, the bacon lardons add a burst of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
2. Each forkful is a celebration of comfort and indulgence—a harmonious blend of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked macaroni.
3. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey through layers of flavor that warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. It’s an invitation to revel in the joy of comfort food, where every bite is a reminder that some pleasures are simply irresistible.

For Leftovers

Ingredients:

• Leftover Bacon Mac and Cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs, for coating
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Preparation: If you’re using leftover mac and cheese that has been refrigerated, let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to handle.
2. Shaping the Balls: Take a spoonful of the leftover mac and cheese and roll it between your palms to create a ball. The size can vary based on your preference, but aim for bite-sized balls.
3. Coating Process: Set up a coating station. Place the beaten eggs in one bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the ball thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a pan for frying. Test the oil’s temperature by dropping a breadcrumb into it—it should sizzle and float to the surface. Carefully place the coated mac and cheese balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Draining: Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy mac and cheese balls from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Final Steps:

1. Serve Phatman’s Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls with a sense of culinary satisfaction. These golden spheres of flavor are a testament to the joy of creativity in the kitchen.
2. Each bite is a play of textures—the crispy breadcrumb coating and the creamy mac and cheese interior. The flavors of the bacon-infused mac and cheese shine through with every bite.
3. This dish isn’t just a snack—it’s an adventure in transformation. It’s a reminder that leftovers can be turned into something extraordinary, where culinary creativity meets the joy of reinvention. So, if you’re curious about shaping and coating techniques, explore our arancini recipe for inspiration—it’s a journey that promises to ignite your culinary imagination.