Take your love for mac and cheese to the next level with these irresistible Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites. This decadent appetizer combines creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with the crispiness of golden breadcrumbs. Each bite is packed with a rich, gooey center of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy bacon, encased in a crunchy exterior that will leave you craving more. Perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun treat, these bites are a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite. Indulge in this comfort food classic turned into a delicious, bite-sized snack!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, without letting it brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked and chopped bacon to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a shallow dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape. You can also chill it overnight for convenience.
- Shape the Bites:
- Once the mixture is firm, use a tablespoon to scoop and form small balls or bite-sized portions. Roll each portion between your hands to create a round shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat the Bites:
- Place the beaten eggs in a small bowl and the breadcrumbs in another. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place them back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all the balls.
- Fry the Bites:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (180°C). Carefully lower a few mac and cheese bites into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining bites.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried mac and cheese bites warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup. Enjoy these crunchy, cheesy delights as a perfect appetizer or party snack!
Conclusion:
These Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites are the ultimate indulgent treat that combines everything you love about mac and cheese with a crispy, fried exterior. The creamy, cheesy center paired with the crunch of breadcrumbs and the smoky flavor of bacon makes for a delicious bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a fun family snack, these bites are sure to be a hit. Make sure to prepare plenty because they’ll disappear fast! Enjoy these cheesy bites of happiness and savor every crunchy, gooey bite.
Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites: A Comfort Food Delight
Delicious bite-sized mac and cheese coated inbreadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, making it the ultimate comfort foodsnack.
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 240ml whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups 150g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup 50g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked and finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup 100g breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- o Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- o In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, without letting it brown.
- o Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses:
- o Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- o Add the cooked and chopped bacon to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Macaroni:
- o Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Chill the Mixture:
- o Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a shallow dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape. You can also chill it overnight for convenience.
- Shape the Bites:
- o Once the mixture is firm, use a tablespoon to scoop and form small balls or bite-sized portions. Roll each portion between your hands to create a round shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat the Bites:
- o Place the beaten eggs in a small bowl and the breadcrumbs in another. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place them back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all the balls.
- Fry the Bites:
- o In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (180°C). Carefully lower a few mac and cheese bites into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- o Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining bites.
- Serve:
- o Serve the fried mac and cheese bites warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup. Enjoy these crunchy, cheesy delights as a perfect appetizer or party snack!