Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
If you love mac and cheese, imagine it turned into crispy, golden bites of pure comfort food bliss. Fried mac & cheese bites are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese in every bite.
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces monterey jack cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Coating
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat, stir in flour, and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, and cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Lower heat, add cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a shallow dish, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour)
- Whisk eggs and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl.
- Place panko breadcrumbs and flour in 2 separate bowls.
- Roll chilled mac and cheese into 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls.
- Dip each ball in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and lastly roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat the flour and egg dip twice before adding to the breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
- Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
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