While dining with Pam Brandon Parks, my old Disney publicist, on a recent trip to Orlando, she rightfully boasted that her “Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth,” one of the many cookbooks she co-authored for Disney, was #2 that day on the New York Times best-seller list right after “Spare!”

Her recipe’s headnote stated, “Wine Bar George is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, with a wine list that rivals any other in the world. And the food isn’t an afterthought, with small bites and family-style dishes to pair with any pour. These Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites are fancy comfort food, perfect for any party.”

This recipe is from Delicious Disney Walt Disney World, Recipes & Stories From The Most Magical Place on Earth by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers & The Disney Chefs.

Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites from Wine Bar George, Disney Springs

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 pints heavy cream
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/2 cup Mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino cheese, plus more for garnish
1 cup grated Havarti cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Fontina cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups finely crumbled Hot & Spice Cheese-It°
Oil, for frying
Chives, for garnish

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

Bring cream and salt to a simmer in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 4 minutes, then stir in Sriracha and chipotle powder.

Whisk in Mascarpone, 1/4 cup Pecorino, 1/2 cup Havarti, and Fontina in small batches, stirring until cheese melts. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry in a small bowl. Whisk into saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until mixture thickens.

Add remaining Havarti and Pecorino to cooled macaroni, then mix into cheese sauce. Spread on a sheet pan, cover and refrigerate to cool.

Once cooled, use a scoop or spoon to make small balls. Slightly flatten balls into a disk shape. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To make egg wash, beat eggs with a fork, then beat in water.

Dust macaroni bites with flour, shaking off excess. Place in egg wash, then Cheez-It®, shaking off excess. Refrigerate until ready to fry.

Heat oil to 350°F. Fry macaroni bites as few at a time until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Garnish with Pecorino and chives, and serve hot with Tomato Nage (recipe follows).

Tomato Nage
2 cups favorite marinara sauce
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bring sauce to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
Remove from heat and whisk in butter, one cube at a time. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

From Delicious Disney Walt Disney World, Recipes & Stories From The Most Magical Place on Earth” by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers & The Disney Chefs