Description
These Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites are a delicious, bite-sized version of everyone’s favorite comfort food! Golden, crispy on the outside and creamy and cheesy on the inside, these little bites make for the perfect appetizer or snack. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or family gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading and Frying:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
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For the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let the mac and cheese cool completely (you can even chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to make it easier to form into bites).
For the Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites:
- Prepare for breading: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Form the bites: Once the mac and cheese has cooled, scoop a small portion (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball or shape it into a small disk. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese.
- Bread the bites: Dredge each mac and cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each bite is fully covered.
- Fry the bites: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the mac and cheese bites to the oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mac and cheese bites hot with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it, making the shaping and breading process easier.
- For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions into the mac and cheese before breading.
- If you prefer baking instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the bites for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes1
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 mac and cheese bites
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg