Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsThe Uncommon ChandlerStranger Things "hot Shots" Mac N Cheese Bites Recipe

Stranger Things "hot Shots" Mac N Cheese Bites Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Add ground beef, add bacon, flaming hot crusted mac & cheese bites with cheese dipping sauce

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Ingredients

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Mac n Cheese Bites

Cheese Dipping Sauce

Method

Mac n Cheese Bites

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook the Bacon and Beef

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  3. 3

    Make the Cheese Sauce

    In a large pot, melt the cream cheese over medium heat. Stir in the milk until smooth, then gradually whisk in the flour. Add the cheddar cheese and hot sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.

  4. 4

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the cooked macaroni, bacon, and ground beef to the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

  5. 5

    Form Bites

    Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then use your hands to form small bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  6. 6

    Coat the Bites

    In a bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and crushed Flaming Hot Cheetos. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated.

  7. 7

    Bake the Bites

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bites for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Cheese Dipping Sauce

  1. 8

    Prepare the Sauce

    In a small saucepan, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.

  2. 9

    Add Spice

    Stir in hot sauce to taste, adjusting the amount based on your spice preference.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Transfer the dipping sauce to a small bowl for serving alongside the mac n cheese bites.

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