Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

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  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Additional Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 45 mins

  • Servings

    25

  • Calories

    194 kcal

  • Cuisine

    American

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

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These mac and cheese bites are a playful twist on a comfort food classic, with a crispy coating and creamy, cheesy center.

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Ingredients

Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 TB unsalted butter
  • 2 TB all purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces Monterey jack cheese
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Coating

  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • oil for frying
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Instructions

Macaroni & Cheese Instructions:

  1. Boil water with a pinch of salt, and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, cooking until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Lower the heat and add the cheeses, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, then transfer to a shallow dish, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour)

To Make the Mac & Cheese Balls

  1. Set out three small bowls, one with panko breadcrumbs, one with flour, and one with eggs whisked together with 1 Tablespoon of milk.
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan or Dutch oven pot to 350°F (175°C). You'll want at least 2-3 inches of oil in the pan.
  3. Roll the chilled macaroni and cheese into balls that are about 1-2 Tablespoons each.
  4. Dip each macaroni ball into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and lastly roll in breadcrumbs.
  5. Fry the macaroni and cheese balls for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden and crispy. You'll want to do this in batches, so as not to overcrowd the pan.
  6. Remove the fried mac-n-cheese balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate to dry.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is an estimate only and is based on 25 balls that are 2TB each. 
  • Prep Tips:
  • For an extra thick coating, repeat the flour and egg dip twice before finishing with the panko breadcrumbs.
  • These mac and cheese bites are best enjoyed while warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or serve with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven. Press "preheat" to 350°F - when the oven reaches temperature, the mac and cheese bites should be warmed through.
  • Yield - This recipe will make about 20-25 mac and cheese balls, when using 1-2 Tablespoons of pasta for each. Coating - For an extra thick coating, repeat the flour and egg dip twice before finishing with the panko breadcrumbs. Oil - Use your favorite frying oil for this recipe. Avocado oil is our favorite, but you could also use peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. To Serve - These mac and cheese bites are best enjoyed while warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or serve with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. Storage - Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven. Press "preheat" to 350°F - when the oven reaches temperature, the mac and cheese bites should be warmed through.
  • Yield - This recipe will make about 20-25 mac and cheese balls, when using 1-2 Tablespoons of pasta for each.
  • Coating - For an extra thick coating, repeat the flour and egg dip twice before finishing with the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Oil - Use your favorite frying oil for this recipe. Avocado oil is our favorite, but you could also use peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
  • To Serve - These mac and cheese bites are best enjoyed while warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or serve with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
  • Storage - Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven. Press "preheat" to 350°F - when the oven reaches temperature, the mac and cheese bites should be warmed through.
  •  

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 194kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.02g Cholesterol 38mg (13%) Sodium 375mg (16%) Potassium 64mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 253IU (5%) Vitamin C 0.002mg (0%) Calcium 152mg (15%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 25Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 194 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 194kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 375mg 16%
Potassium 64mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 253IU 5%
Vitamin C 0.002mg 0%
Calcium 152mg 15%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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