5 from 3 votes
Mac and Cheese Bites
Turn traditional mac and cheese into a crunchy bite-sized appetizer.
Prep Time
4 hrs
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
4 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
40
bites
Calories:
155 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk whole
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated, sharp, white
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated, medium
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour for coating
- 5 egg beaten, large
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs Japanese-style
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- vegetable oil as needed
- parsley freshly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Gradually add milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer until thickened. Add grated cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine with cooked pasta. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Form the chilled mac and cheese into 1.5-inch balls. Place on a tray and refrigerate while setting up the breading station.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each mac and cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press to adhere.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a large pot, filling it about 3 inches deep. Fry the bites in batches until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle on fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
155kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
18g
(6%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Trans Fat
0.05g
(3%)
Cholesterol
36mg
(12%)
Sodium
128mg
(5%)
Potassium
73mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
209IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
0.02mg
(0%)
Calcium
94mg
(9%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 40 bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 155
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 155kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.05g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 128mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 73mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 209IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.02mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 94mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.