Potato Chip-Crusted Macaroni & Cheese Bites

Prepare Mac & Cheese Bites: In large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over med. heat, melt butter. Stir in 11/4 cups flour to make a roux; cook about 5 min., stirring frequently.

In a separate saucepan, bring cream to a simmer. Slowly pour hot cream into roux, whisking constantly. Cook 5 min. or until thickened, whisking frequently. Add cheeses and cayenne; season with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until cheeses melt to a smooth consistency, whisking frequently to prevent scorching.  Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook macaroni in 4 gal. heavily salted boiling water for 2 min. less than directions state. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well.

Fold macaroni into warm cheese sauce; cook over low heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until macaroni is tender.

Coat a shallow hotel pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray; pour mixture into pan and spread in an even layer. Refrigerate, covered, until firm. 

Cut around edge of pan to release macaroni. Unmold onto a cutting board; cut into 11/2-in. cubes.

In food processor, pulse panko and potato chips until roughly the same size.  Dust macaroni cubes lightly with flour, dip into eggs and toss in panko-potato chip mixture to coat completely. Place on parchment paper-lined sheet pan; refrigerate until needed.

Meanwhile, prepare Spicy Tomato Jam: in large saucepan over med. heat, sweat onions and garlic in oil. Add tomatoes and cayenne; cook over med. heat until reduced to 6 cups. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add salt and hot pepper sauce and purée in food processor or blender. Set aside.

Heat oil in deep fryer to 350 F. For each serving, to order, deep-fry 3 macaroni cubes in hot oil about 4 min. or until crust is golden brown. Drain on paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Serve with 1/4 cup Spicy Tomato Jam.