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Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites at Home

On a recent trip to TGI Friday’s, I tried their Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites.  I only had one complaint.  Four weren’t enough.  So I did some research and decided that I could make these at home pretty easily with basic ingredients that I always have on hand.  Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites were created, and they were a hit with my family.  Even down to the craft beer cheese, these taste just like the ones at TGI Friday’s.

Craft Beer Cheese Sauce for Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites

What is craft beer cheese sauce?  And why do you put it on Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites?  Well, craft beer cheese sauce is simply cheese sauce made with regionally brewed beer.  I love a good oatmeal stout, especially when I’m cooking, so that’s what I use in my craft beer sauce in Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites.  It tastes fantastic and doesn’t have any weird lemonade, citrus, or spice flavors.  It’s perfect for Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites as well as Welsh Rarebit.

Making Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites Perfect

I have to admit, I purchased a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to make these Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites perfect.  I’m not one to have lots of gadgets in my kitchen, but I think this one is going to be perfect, especially when I make cookies.  It took the work out of the process, and made it fun.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites as a Party Appetizer

If you’d like to make Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites as an appetizer for a party, first off, make them a bit smaller so you get more of them.  Fry them, as instructed, ahead of time and then freeze them.  When you are about ready to serve them, bake on a baking sheet in a preheated 425 degree F oven until heated through.  They will retain their crispiness and taste like you just made them!

6 strips bacon, cooked crispy, drippings reserved

1 C milk

½ C beer

7 ½ T flour

1 C mild cheddar, shredded

1 C sharp cheddar, shredded

1 C extra sharp cheddar, shredded

2 T bacon drippings

¼ t salt

¾ C elbow macaroni

1 egg

1 C milk

1 ½ C breadcrumbs

2/4 t salt

1 C flour

Oil for frying

In a large saucepan, place the milk, beer, and 7 ½ T flour.  Whisk well and heat on medium heat.  Add the cheese, bacon drippings, and salt.  Stir and heat, allowing to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Remove 1 cup of sauce and reserve for later.

While cheese sauce is thickening, in another saucepan, 5 cups of water to a boil.  Add the macaroni and boil until tender, about 8 minutes.  Drain.

Add to cheese sauce and stir until incorporated.

Chop 4 slices of bacon finely.  Add to macaroni and stir well.

Spray an 8×8 pan with cooking spray.  Pour the macaroni mixture into the pan and freeze for several hours.

In a bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.  Set aside.

In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs and salt.  Mix well and set aside.

In a third bowl, place the flour.

Heat the oil over medium high heat, to about 350 degrees F.

Scoop the macaroni mixture into balls.

Place first in the flour, turning to coat, then in the egg mixture.  Coat with breadcrumbs, then double coat by placing back in the egg and a final coating of breadcrumbs.

Gently place in oil and fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.  Allow to drain for 1 minute.

Heat remaining sauce in a small saucepan, adding more milk or beer to thin it out if needed.

Serve Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites hot, drizzled with sauce and remaining bacon.

Tired of tiny appetizers?  Make Copycat TGI Friday’s Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites at home!