Lava Mac and Cheese Corn Dog Dippers with Spicy Ketchup

Directions to follow

Cook the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
While the mac and cheese sets, slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
Cut the chilled mac and cheese into small cubes.
Take a cube of mac and cheese and wrap a piece of hot dog around it. Repeat with remaining mac and cheese and hot dog pieces.
In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, egg, and 1/4 cup milk to create a batter.
Dip each mac and cheese hot dog bite into the batter, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
Fry the mac and cheese corn dog dippers in batches until golden brown and crispy.
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder to create your spicy ketchup.
Serve the dippers hot with the spicy ketchup for dipping. Enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

These dippers are great on their own, but they can be even better with some creative serving ideas! Think about pairing them with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal. You can also serve them with an assortment of sauces—ranch, BBQ, or even a creamy garlic dip would complement the crunchiness perfectly. For a fun twist, place them on a rustic wooden board and let guests dip away.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you have any leftovers (which is quite rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimal texture, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave, as this will help maintain their crispy exterior. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked dippers (before frying) on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to a month—perfect for a quick snack!

Pro chef tips

For extra cheesy goodness, consider mixing different types of cheese into your mac and cheese base.
If you want to spice things up, try adding diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese before forming the dippers.
When frying, do so in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring they cook evenly and don’t become greasy.

Creative twists

Here are some fun variations you might enjoy trying:

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based hot dogs and a vegan cheese blend for a meat-free version.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
Seasonal Additions: Consider incorporating finely chopped spinach or kale into the mac and cheese for a nutritional boost.

FAQs

How long does it take to prep and cook?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 1 hour, including setting the mac and cheese in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites.

How do I avoid a soggy texture in leftovers?

To prevent sogginess, ensure the dippers are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best results.