No Diet November 2025 - 7

I think eClaire is a little preoccupied at the moment... Keep your teasing and questions coming!

eClaire's Favorite Bacon Mac Nuggets

Bite in: creamy gut-punch meets shatter-crisp shell. Serves 4 greedy souls (or 1 in denial). Prep: 20 min. Chill: 1 hr. Fry: 10 min.

Indulgent Ingredients (makes ~20 nuggets)

Mac base:

• 2 cups cooked elbow mac

• 1 cups shredded sharp cheddar

• ½ cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese (for that "oops, extra fat" vibe)

• 1/4 cup milk or cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (or a quarter cup bacon bits you slacker).

• Salt, pepper, dash of smoked paprika for color.

Serious Crunch:

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 eggs beaten into submission

• 1-2 cups panko

• Your favorite fry oil for frying.

Steps: From Goo to Glory

1. Mash the mess: Cook your noodles al dente, and mix in your shredded cheeses, cream cheese, milk (or cream), and butter until mixed through. Fold in and mix thoroughly your bacon bits and seasonings until fully combined. Pack into a greased 8x8 pan, press flat like you're squishing the fat on your belly. Chill 1 hour until firm or near frozen. It's important that it chills!

2. Cube the culprits: Unmold, slice into 1.5-inch nuggets.

3. Dredge drama: Triple-dip for max crunch—dust each in cornstarch (light coat, no caking), fully dunk in egg, then roll in panko until completely covered.

4. Fry frenzy: Heat 2 inches oil to 350°F. Fry in batches 2-3 min per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a drain rack; sprinkle sea salt and pepper while hot.

Dip in sriracha mayo for fire, or ranch for tame. Pair with an IPA beer.

Warning: They'll vanish faster than your diet. Leftovers? Ha, as if.