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