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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

5 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Fried Mac and Cheese Bites


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  • Author: Lise
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling and freezing)
  • Yield: ~24 bites

Description

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these Fried Mac and Cheese Bites take comfort food to a whole new level. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun snack, they combine golden crunch with creamy, cheesy indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional: mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 ¼ cups milk (divided)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading and Frying:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
  1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
  2. Cook macaroni until tender (7–8 minutes), drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually add 1 cup of milk, whisking until thickened.
  4. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
  1. Mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
  1. Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 5: Shape the Bites
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop chilled mac and cheese into 1-inch balls.
Step 6: Freeze for Stability
  1. Freeze the balls for at least 1 hour.
Step 7: Prepare the Breading Station
  1. Beat eggs with ¼ cup milk in a bowl.
  2. Place breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
  3. Dip frozen bites in egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Step 8: Heat the Oil
  1. Heat oil to 320°F in a deep fryer or skillet.
Step 9: Fry to Perfection
  1. Fry bites in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning until golden.
  2. Drain on paper towels.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve hot with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Freeze bites to ensure they stay intact while frying.
  • Customize breadcrumbs with spices like paprika or cayenne.
  • Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer for maximum crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack/Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: (per bite, estimated)
  • Calories: ~90 kcal
  • Sugar: ~0.5 g
  • Sodium: ~100 mg
  • Fat: ~5 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8 g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: ~3 g
  • Cholesterol: ~15 mg