Get ready to take mac & cheese to a whole new level! This Honey Hot Salmon Bite Mac & Cheese recipe combines crispy, flavorful salmon bites with creamy, cheesy pasta and a spicy-sweet kick that will have you coming back for more. If you love bold flavors and rich, comforting meals, this one’s for you!
Let’s get into the recipe that’s about to change the way you do mac & cheese forever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Flavor Explosion – Creamy mac & cheese meets crispy, spicy-sweet salmon bites.
✅ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Better than takeout and 100% homemade.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients, just simple steps for a gourmet dish.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner or game night, this dish is a showstopper.
Honey Hot Salmon Bite Mac & Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you love)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
For the Honey Hot Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Hot Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 3 tbsp honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Creamy Mac & Cheese
1️⃣ Boil the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
3️⃣ Add the Liquids & Seasonings: Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly. Stir in salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
4️⃣ Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing well. Layer it in a baking dish, topping with more shredded cheese.
6️⃣ Bake: Sprinkle with extra smoked paprika and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Prepare the Honey Hot Salmon Bites
1️⃣ Season the Salmon: In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2️⃣ Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk together. In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
3️⃣ Coat & Fry: Dip each salmon piece into the wet batter, then dredge in the flour mixture. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Honey Hot Sauce
1️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
2️⃣ Add Hot Sauce & Honey: Stir in hot sauce and honey, mixing well. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Coat the Salmon: Toss the crispy salmon bites in the sauce until fully coated.
4. Assemble & Serve
🔥 Spoon the creamy mac & cheese onto a plate.
🔥 Top with Honey Hot Salmon Bites for the ultimate combo of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy goodness!
🔥 Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Hot Salmon Bite Mac & Cheese
✅ Use Fresh Salmon – The crispier the salmon, the better the texture contrast!
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches to keep the salmon crunchy.
✅ Adjust the Heat – Love it spicy? Add extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
✅ Go for the Cheese Pull – Mixing different cheeses gives the best creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Honey Hot Salmon Bite Mac & Cheese
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs make everything better!
- Coleslaw – A refreshing side to balance the richness.
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade – A classic Southern pairing.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Fish?
Yes! This recipe works well with cod, tilapia, or shrimp if you prefer something else.
Can I Make This in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
This Honey Hot Salmon Bite Mac & Cheese is pure comfort food magic—the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy! Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish is a 10/10 winner.
Try it out and let us know how you liked it!
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