Mac & Cheeseburger Poppers

Name: Mac & Cheeseburger Poppers
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 32
Ingredients: 1 pkg. macaroni and cheese dinner; ½ lb. ground beef; 48 RITZ Crackers, finely crushed, divided; 1 egg, beaten; 4 oz. pasteurized cheese product loaf, cut into 32 cubes; oil for frying; ½ cup ketchup; ¼ cup yellow mustard

Looking for fun snacks to serve a bunch of teenagers? These macaroni and cheese bites are flavored like a burger with ground beef, ketchup and mustard.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h

Servings:

Makes 32 servings, 1 popper and 1 tsp. sauce each.

Ingredient list

1 pkg. (14 oz.) macaroni and cheese dinner
½ lb. ground beef
48 RITZ Crackers, finely crushed, divided
1 egg, beaten
4 oz. (1/4 of 16-oz. pkg.) pasteurized cheese product loaf, cut into 32 cubes
oil for frying
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup yellow mustard

Directions

Prepare macaroni and cheese in large saucepan as directed on package. Meanwhile, brown meat in skillet; drain.

Add meat, 1 cup cracker crumbs and egg to macaroni and cheese; mix well. Cool 20 min.

Shape macaroni mixture into 32 balls, using scant 1/4 cup macaroni mixture for each ball. Insert 1 cheese product cube into center of each ball, completely enclosing cube with macaroni mixture. Roll in remaining cracker crumbs until balls are evenly coated on all sides with crumbs.

Place in single layer on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

Heat oil in deep fryer to 375°F. Add macaroni balls, a few at a time; cook 2 min. or until golden brown. Drain well.

Meanwhile, mix ketchup and mustard until blended.

Serve warm poppers with the ketchup mixture.

Recipe Tips

Size WiseEnjoy eating appetizers at a social occasion but be mindful of portion size so you don’t overdo it on calories.
How to BakeHeat oven to 375ºF. Prepare poppers as directed but do not cook in the hot oil. Instead place the balls in mini muffin pan cups sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 12 to 14 min. or until heated through.
Make AheadPrepare poppers as directed but do not cook. Refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking as directed.