Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

why make this recipe

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun snack. They are crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy inside. Kids and adults like them. You can make them ahead and fry them later. They work for parties, game days, or a quick treat.

introduction

This recipe makes small, golden bites of mac and cheese. You make a cheese sauce, mix it with cooked macaroni, chill it, shape it into balls, then bread and fry them. They come out crunchy outside and gooey inside. For more easy recipes to serve with snacks, see easy ground turkey recipes that pair well with these bites.

how to make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Follow these steps in order. Work with chilled mac and cheese so the balls hold shape.

Ingredients :

• 3 Eggs
• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 18 tbsp Flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese

Directions :

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
4. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
5. Once cooled, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
6. Beat the eggs in one bowl, and place the breadcrumbs in another.
7. Dip each ball in the eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

how to serve Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Serve warm for best texture. Offer dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy ketchup. Place on a plate with napkins for easy grabbing. They also go well with a simple salad or steamed veggies.

how to store Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. You can freeze uncooked, breaded balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to cook time.

tips to make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

• Chill the mac and cheese for at least 2 hours so balls hold well.
• Use cold hands or wet spoons to shape balls and avoid sticking.
• Do not crowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches.
• Keep oil around 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
• For a different crust or extra crunch try panko breadcrumbs or double-coating.
  For a side idea with roasted veggies, try this baked potatoes with crispy broccoli and bacon.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the mac before chilling.
• Stir in chopped jalapeño or hot sauce for spicy bites.
• Use different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for new flavors.
• Make a gluten-free version by using GF flour and breadcrumbs.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Yes. Spray with oil and bake at 400°F (205°C) until golden, about 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Refrigerate the formed balls for a day or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: Why did my balls fall apart when frying?
A: They may not have chilled long enough or were not coated well. Chill until firm and use a good egg and breadcrumb coating.

Q: Can I use different pastas?
A: Small shapes work best. Elbow macaroni is ideal, but small shells or ditalini also work.

Q: How do I keep them crispy after frying?
A: Drain on a rack or paper towels and serve soon. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Conclusion

For a different take and more tips on frying mac and cheese bites, see this guide: Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites – MikeBakesNYC.

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect snack for kids and adults alike. Enjoy them fried or baked with your favorite dipping sauces.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bites

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp Shredded.
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded.
• 2 tbsp Butter For making the roux.
• 18 tbsp Flour For the roux.
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper

For Breading and Frying

• 3 Eggs Eggs Beaten.
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs Can use panko for extra crunch.
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil For frying.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
6. Once cooled, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.

Breading and Frying

1. Beat the eggs in one bowl, and place the breadcrumbs in another.
2. Dip each ball in the eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Notes

Serve warm for best texture with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy ketchup. Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.