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Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

4.7 from 130 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 30 balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Fried Mac N Cheese Bites are a crispy, golden appetizer made by coating chilled macaroni and cheese balls with panko breadcrumbs and deep frying them to perfection. Served warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or marinara, they offer a deliciously gooey inside and crunchy outside—a perfect comfort food bite for parties or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese Mixture

  • 3 cups prepared macaroni and cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite blend)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Coating and Frying

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Dipping Sauce

  • Ranch, marinara, or other sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chilled macaroni and cheese with the extra shredded cheese and season with salt and pepper as desired, ensuring a uniform mixture.
  2. Form Balls: Scoop the mixture into roughly 1.5-inch diameter balls using a spoon or hands, then place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy handling.
  3. Freeze Balls: Freeze the formed balls for about 15 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
  4. Prepare Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: While the balls chill, beat two eggs with a little water in a bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs, arranging for easy rolling.
  5. Coat Balls: Remove the balls from the freezer, dip each ball fully into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place back onto the baking sheet. Repeat for all balls.
  6. Freeze Again: Return the coated balls to the freezer while heating the oil, ensuring they stay firm and reduce the risk of falling apart in the oil.
  7. Heat Oil: Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Maintain this temperature throughout the frying process for best results.
  8. Fry Balls: Fry 3 to 4 balls at a time for about 2 minutes each, or until the exterior is golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
  9. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried mac and cheese bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or marinara.

Notes

  • Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crunchy coating, but you can also use crushed crackers, potato chips, or regular breadcrumbs depending on your preference.
  • For best melting and flavor, buy block cheese and shred it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives.
  • To enrich the bites, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the macaroni and cheese mixture before shaping.
  • Freezing the balls thoroughly before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for frying; starting at 375°F allows for temperature drop when adding frozen bites, preventing greasiness or burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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