# What you'll need:
→ Mac and Cheese Filling
01 - 7 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups whole milk
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Onion Rings
10 - 2 large yellow onions
11 - Salt, to taste
→ Breading and Frying
12 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
13 - 2 large eggs
14 - 2 tablespoons milk
15 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
16 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
17 - Oil, for deep frying
# Method:
01 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and stir continuously for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, creating a smooth mixture. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat and blend in cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated. Add cooked macaroni, mixing until evenly coated. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
04 - Peel yellow onions and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Separate rings, reserving the largest for stuffing. Set aside smaller rings for other uses.
05 - Fill the sturdy onion rings with firm mac and cheese, pressing gently to pack and level the surface. Freeze arranged rings on a lined baking tray for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Place flour in one mixing bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons milk. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and paprika.
07 - Coat each frozen onion ring first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko blend. Press breadcrumbs gently to ensure full coverage.
08 - Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry breaded rings in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.
09 - Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce while rings are hot and crispy.
