Description
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with these Fried Mac And Cheese Bites, perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re an irresistible snack that will elevate any gathering or cozy night in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack, grated
- Optional: smoked gouda or Gruyere, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Dash of mustard powder or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 2 large eggs (for breading)
- 1 tablespoon water or milk (for breading)
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly nutty.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk or half-and-half until the sauce thickens and simmers.
- Reduce heat to low and add the grated cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and mustard.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish, press down firmly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, scoop portions of the mac and cheese and shape into compact balls or squares. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs and water or milk, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each bite in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then roll in Panko breadcrumbs. Place back on the baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat oil to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Fry the bites in batches for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Ensure the mac and cheese is thoroughly chilled to hold its shape. For extra crunch, consider double-breading the bites. Maintain oil temperature for optimal frying results.