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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

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4.4 from 57 reviews

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a crispy, golden appetizer that combines creamy mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect as a party snack or comfort food, they offer a delightful contrast between the smooth, cheesy interior and the crisp exterior. This recipe involves making a rich cheese sauce with cheddar and mozzarella, mixing it with cooked elbow macaroni, chilling the mixture, then breading and deep frying the bites until perfectly crisp.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese Base

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs

Frying

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  3. Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
  5. Chill mixture: Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. This step helps the bites hold their shape during frying.
  6. Cut into pieces: Once firm, cut the mac and cheese into bite-sized squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
  7. Prepare breading station: Set up three separate shallow dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs respectively.
  8. Bread the bites: Dredge each mac and cheese piece first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well coated to achieve a crispy crust.
  9. Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the bites for even frying.
  10. Fry bites: Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn midway if necessary for even cooking.
  11. Drain and serve: Remove the bites using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Ensure the mac and cheese mixture is completely chilled and firm before cutting and breading to prevent the bites from falling apart during frying.
  • Try substituting gouda, pepper jack, or other cheeses for a flavor twist.
  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Leftover bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for crispiness.
  • You can prepare and freeze the breaded bites before frying for make-ahead convenience.

Keywords: fried mac and cheese bites, appetizer, snack, party food, crispy mac and cheese, deep fried mac and cheese, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/fried-mac-and-cheese-bites-recipe/