Save A fun bold appetizer featuring creamy pumpkin macaroni and cheese with a spicy buffalo kick coated fried and served on sticks perfect for parties or game day.
I first made these pops for a game day spread and they disappeared within minutes everyone loved the spicy cheesy combo and the playful presentation made them an instant favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Pumpkin: 2 cups elbow macaroni 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/3 cup hot buffalo sauce 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Coating: 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs beaten 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- For Frying: Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Garnish & Serving: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese optional chopped chives or green onions optional extra buffalo sauce for dipping 24 lollipop or popsicle sticks
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened about 2–3 minutes. Add cheddar cheese Parmesan garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine with pumpkin:
- Remove from heat. Stir in pumpkin purée until fully incorporated. Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
- Add buffalo sauce:
- In a small bowl combine buffalo sauce with melted butter. Stir into the pumpkin mac and cheese.
- Chill mixture:
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish spread evenly and chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Shape pops:
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop portion and shape the chilled mixture into balls about 2 tablespoons each. Insert a stick into each ball.
- Bread pops:
- Set up three shallow bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each mac pop in flour dip in egg then coat with panko. Place on a baking sheet.
- Fry:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry mac pops in batches turning occasionally until golden and crispy 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and garnish:
- Garnish with blue cheese and chives if desired. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Save When we make these at home the kids always want to help shape and coat the pops and the whole kitchen ends up filled with laughter and anticipation for that first hot crispy bite.
Required Tools
Saucepan large pot for boiling pasta mixing bowls baking dish slotted spoon deep-frying thermometer paper towels lollipop or popsicle sticks
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) eggs. If using store-bought buffalo sauce or breadcrumbs always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 145 total fat 7 g carbohydrates 15 g protein 5 g
Save These mac pops are best enjoyed hot and fresh bringing a spicy twist to traditional comfort food in just two delicious bites.
Cooking Questions
- → How can I make these pops less spicy?
Reduce the hot buffalo sauce or substitute with a mild wing sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste for a gentler kick.
- → Can I bake instead of fry the pops?
Arrange the coated mac pops on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once.
- → What cheese works best for a creamy texture?
Sharp cheddar provides richness and strong flavor, while Parmesan gives added depth. For extra creaminess, melt cheeses thoroughly into the sauce.
- → How do I keep the pops from falling apart?
Chill the macaroni mixture until firm before shaping and coating. This helps the pops hold together during frying or baking.
- → Are there options for gluten-free pops?
Use gluten-free pasta, flour, and panko crumbs. Check ingredient labels, especially with store-bought buffalo sauce and breadcrumbs.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Serve with extra buffalo sauce for heat, or try ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast.