Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Name: Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb macaroni; 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese (block or shredded); 1 ¼ cup milk; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup butter; 2 eggs; 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs; Salt & pepper to taste; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

January 29, 2025

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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, these bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, they are easy to make and will impress your friends and family. Dive into this guide to learn how to create these delicious morsels!

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Why You’ll Love Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites combine the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with a crispy coating. Imagine taking a bite and feeling that warm, cheesy center while enjoying the crunch on the outside. They are perfect for any occasion, from game day to a cozy movie night. Everyone loves comfort food, and these bites elevate the classic mac and cheese to new heights. Plus, they are incredibly fun to make! Gather your friends or family to help and enjoy the process together.

Ingredients

1 lb macaroni
16 oz sharp cheddar cheese (block or shredded)
1 ¼ cup milk
½ cup flour
¼ cup butter
2 eggs
3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Prepare the Macaroni

Cook the Macaroni

To start, you need to boil the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to give it a good shake to remove excess water. Nobody wants soggy mac and cheese bites!

Make the Cheese Mixture

Create a Roux

Now, let’s make that cheesy goodness! In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, gradually add the flour. You need to stir constantly as this will help you create a roux. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a light brown color. It should smell nutty, which means you’re on the right track!

Thicken the Mixture

Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously. This will help the mixture thicken. Keep stirring until you notice it getting thicker and smoother. It usually takes just a few minutes.

Add the Cheese

Now for the fun part! Gradually add the cheese to the mixture, one handful at a time. Stir it until each handful is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you love cheese as much as I do, you might want to taste it at this point!

Combine with Macaroni

Once the cheese is all melted, it’s time to combine it with the macaroni. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture. Make sure every piece is well coated. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Your mac and cheese mixture is now ready!

Chill the Mixture

Refrigerate

Now, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a container. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is important because it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into bites later. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Form the Bites

Shape the Balls

After chilling, it’s time to form the bites! Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of the chilled macaroni and cheese mixture. Form it into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared sheet. Once you’ve shaped all the bites, put the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour. If you can wait overnight, that’s even better!

Prepare for Frying

Make the Egg Wash

Now we are almost ready to fry! In a bowl, beat the two eggs. Add ¼ cup of milk and mix it well to create your egg wash. This will help the bread crumbs stick to the bites.

Bread the Bites

Take each frozen ball and dip it into the egg wash. Let the excess egg drip off, then roll it in the seasoned bread crumbs. Make sure each bite is fully coated. This is what will give you that crispy, golden outside when you fry them!

Fry the Bites

Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 320°F (160°C). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the bites. Be careful as the oil can get hot!

Fry Until Golden

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded mac and cheese bites in small batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy bites. Once they are golden and crispy, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve them immediately for the best taste!

Serving Suggestions

These crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are perfect on their own, but they shine even more with dipping sauces. Serve them with your favorite options like marinara, ranch, or spicy mustard. Each bite dipped in sauce adds a delightful flavor experience. Get creative and try different sauces to see which ones you love best!

Tips for Success

Ensure the cheese mixture is adequately chilled to maintain the shape of the bites during frying.
If you want to play with flavors, experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda or pepper jack can be fun alternatives!

Variations

Add-ins: For a unique twist, mix in some cooked bacon, jalapeños, or herbs like parsley. These add-ins can really take your bites to another level.
Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour. You can enjoy all the deliciousness without worry!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture and freeze the shaped balls. Fry them just before serving for the best results.

Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Vegetable oil is a popular choice, but you can also use peanut oil or canola oil. They all work well for frying.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. This is a healthier option if you’re looking to cut back on oil.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for the best results. Enjoy those cheesy bites again!

Conclusion

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun and delicious treat that anyone can enjoy. With their crispy exterior and gooey center, they are sure to become a favorite. By following this guide, you’ll impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with every crispy, cheesy bite! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking. You won’t regret it!

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