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Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites

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These crispy mac and cheese bites combine creamy mac and cheese with a perfectly crunchy golden crust, making a nostalgic and delicious snack perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni (about 100g), cooked al dente
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150g)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 50g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (about 60g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, enough for shallow frying (about 2 inches deep)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely (about 15 minutes).
  2. Make the cheese sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in warmed milk and cook 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
  3. Fold the cooled macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  4. Form the bites by scooping about 1 tablespoon of mixture and rolling into balls or small cylinders. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes.
  5. Set up breading stations: seasoned flour (flour, salt, smoked paprika), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs (with optional cayenne). Roll each bite in flour, dip in egg, coat with panko, then repeat egg and panko for double breading. Place back on the sheet.
  6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry bites in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, turning occasionally. Drain on a cooling rack. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly to prevent bites from falling apart. Double breading creates extra crunch. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt bites. Fry in small batches and keep cooked bites warm in a low oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, crispy mac and cheese, fried mac and cheese, party snacks, comfort food, cheesy bites

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-mac-and-cheese-bites-recipe-easy-5-step-golden-crunch-snack/