Mac and Cheese Bites
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Mac and Cheese Bites
Description
Using cold macaroni and cheese helps the bites hold their shape when rolled and coated. After portioning with a cookie scoop and freezing briefly, each ball is dipped in an egg and milk wash then rolled in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cooking in an air fryer or similar appliance produces a crisp exterior while keeping the center creamy and smooth.
The seasoning in the breading adds layers of flavor, complementing the cheesy filling. The preparation in batches prevents overcrowding, which ensures even crispness. These bites can be served as snacks, party appetizers, or a playful side.
Leftovers should be well wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating is best done in an air fryer or oven to maintain their crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 cups macaroni and cheese refrigerated leftover mac and cheese is perect
- 2 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Using a ½ inch cookie scoop, scoop out individual portions from the 4 cups of chilled mac and cheese. Roll each one into a ball. Place these bites on a tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set these into the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Whisk the 2 eggs and 2 Tablespoons of milk together in a bowl. Set this aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup panko, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Next create a dredging station. Place the panko crumb mixture next to the air fryer. Place the egg mixture next to the crumb mixture. Once the bites are frozen, place the tray of mac and cheese bites next to the egg mixture.
- Take each ball-like mound of macaroni, dip it in the egg mixture, then roll it in the panko mixture, then place it into the air fryer, no crowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do these in batches. In that case the remaining mac and cheese bites could just sit on the parchment paper lined tray until you can cook them.
- Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Use chilled macaroni and cheese to help the bites hold their shape during coating and cooking.
- Freeze formed bites for about 30 minutes before coating to improve firmness and ease of handling.
- Store leftover bites wrapped well in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months for future use.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain their crisp outer texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 469kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.004g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 1369mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 279mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 115IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 271mg | 27% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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