Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy, comforting bite of mac and cheese? Now, imagine that deliciousness in a crispy, handheld form.
Enter mac and cheese bites! These delightful morsels combine the gooey goodness of traditional mac and cheese with a crispy, golden exterior.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun twist on a classic dish, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mac and cheese bites offer everything you love about mac and cheese but in a more versatile and convenient form. They are:
- Kid-friendly: Kids love finger foods, and these bites are the perfect size for little hands.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, mac and cheese bites are always a hit.
- Customizable: Add bacon bits, jalapeños, or even truffle oil for a gourmet twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them in advance and just pop them in the oven when ready to serve.
Ingredients
For the mac and cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish or a large bowl. Spread it evenly and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling is essential to help the mixture hold its shape when forming the bites.
Step 4: Form the Bites
Once the mac and cheese is firm, use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to form small balls (about 1–2 inches in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Coat the Bites
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
Dip each mac and cheese ball into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat for all the bites.
Step 6: Fry or Bake
To fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your mac and cheese bites hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. Watch them disappear as everyone reaches for more!
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly: Make sure the mac and cheese mixture is well-chilled before forming the bites. This helps them hold their shape during frying or baking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy exterior, panko breadcrumbs are a great choice.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses to customize your bites.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the bites up to the breading stage and freeze them. When ready to cook, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike regular mac and cheese, these bites offer a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy interior. They’re portable, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking, and they add a fun, gourmet touch to any occasion.
