Finalist Tregaye Fraser's dish, Deep Fried Octopus Mac and Cheese, for the Star Challenge, Guest Starring on Good Mythical Morning, as seen on Food Network Star, Season 12.
Recipe courtesy of Tregaye Fraser

Octopus Mac and Cheese

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 1 hr 20 min
  • Active: 45 min
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese:

Octopus:

Directions

Special equipment:
a deep-fry thermometer
  1. For the mac and cheese: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a saucepan, stir together the cream, milk, Cheddar, Jack, onion powder, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy.
  3. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni to al dente in a large pot of salted water. Drain and add to the sauce. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish and top with the mozzarella. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  4. For the octopus: Fill a large Dutch oven about halfway with oil and slowly heat to 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Meanwhile, clean the octopus by running a knife under the outer skin and removing it; you should only see the white. Cut the octopus into small pieces.
  5. In a bowl, stir together the cornmeal, chili powder, onion powder and salt and pepper. Roll the octopus pieces in the spiced cornmeal until well coated. Deep-fry until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
  6. Divide the mac and cheese among 4 bowls and top with octopus. Sprinkle with bacon and cilantro, and serve.