Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a deliciously crispy twist on a classic comfort food. These golden, cheesy morsels make perfect finger food for parties or a fun snack at home. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they’re irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (preferably fresh)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• About 3 cups oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point, e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeños (optional, for spicy kick)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme) (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated. If using, stir in jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs now.
5. Step 5: Spread the mixture into a shallow pan and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to shape.
6. Step 6: Once chilled, scoop small portions and roll into bite-sized balls.
7. Step 7: Prepare a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and bread crumbs in another. Dip each ball in egg, then coat thoroughly with bread crumbs.
8. Step 8: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F–375°F (medium-high). Fry the bites in batches for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh bread crumbs for extra crunch and better coating adhesion.
• Add finely chopped cooked bacon or ham to the mixture for smoky flavor.
• For a spicier bite, increase the amount of jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
• Make the bites ahead and freeze before frying; cook directly from frozen for convenience.
• Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover fried mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the mac and cheese bites instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Baking is a healthier alternative but may not be as crispy as frying.

How do I prevent the bites from falling apart during frying?

Make sure the mac and cheese mixture is well chilled and firm before shaping. Also, coat each bite thoroughly with egg and bread crumbs to create a stable crust for frying.

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

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4.5 from 106 reviews

Delightfully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a perfect comfort food snack or appetizer. Made with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, then coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Optional additions like jalapeños and fresh herbs add a subtle kick and freshness, making these bites irresistible for parties or casual gatherings.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 25 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Mac and Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeños (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme), chopped (optional)

Coating and Frying

• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• About 3 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni: Begin by boiling 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside—this forms the base for the creamy cheese filling.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese along with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder until smooth and creamy. If using, add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
3. Combine Macaroni and Cheese: Mix the drained macaroni into the warm cheese sauce until every piece is evenly coated. Spread the mixture into a shallow pan, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to shape into bites.
4. Form the Bites: Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the mac and cheese mixture using a spoon or cookie scoop. Roll each portion firmly into bite-sized balls to ensure they hold together during frying.
5. Coat the Bites: Set up a breading station with a bowl of beaten eggs and a bowl of breadcrumbs. Dip each mac and cheese ball first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly for a crispy outer crust.
6. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat about 3 cups of vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat (around 350°F to 375°F). Fry the coated bites in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispier coating, but panko can also be a great substitute.
• Ensure the mac and cheese mixture is well chilled and firm before forming the bites, so they hold their shape during frying.
• Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce to taste before refrigerating.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to avoid imparting unwanted flavors.
• For a milder version, omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
• The bites can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option, although frying yields the best crispiness.
• These bites can be made ahead and frozen before frying; fry directly from frozen, increasing fry time slightly.

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, fried mac and cheese, appetizer recipes, cheese bites, party snacks, comfort food