Description
Golden‑brown, crunchy‑on‑the‑outside bites filled with creamy, gooey macaroni and cheese—perfect for snacking, entertaining, or turning your leftovers into show‑stoppers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (≈ 500 g) prepared macaroni and cheese (homemade is best) ‑ chilled until firm
- 1 cup (≈ 100 g) extra shredded cheddar (or a blend of cheddar + Monterey Jack) to help bind and make gooey
- ½ cup (≈ 50 g) all‑purpose flour (for dredging)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups (≈ 135 g) panko breadcrumbs (or seasoned breadcrumbs) for coating
- Vegetable oil (or canola/peanut) for frying — enough for ≈2–3 inches depth or as per fry method
- Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, flaky sea salt, dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch
Instructions
- Prepare your macaroni and cheese ahead and allow to cool completely. Then refrigerate until firm—this helps it hold its shape when forming bites. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Once firm, stir in the extra shredded cheddar (or cheese blend) into the chilled macaroni so every bite has extra gooey cheese.
- Scoop out portions of the chilled mac & cheese—about 1½‑2 inches diameter (or use a small ice cream scoop) and shape into balls (or slightly flattened rounds) on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Freeze for ~30 minutes (or until very firm) to help them hold when frying. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Prepare three shallow dishes: One with flour + garlic powder + onion powder + salt + pepper; second with beaten eggs + milk; third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Remove chilled macaroni bites from freezer. One by one: dredge in the seasoned flour (tap off excess), then dip into egg‑wash, then roll thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs to coat. For extra crispness, you can repeat the egg‑wash + panko step twice (double‑coat). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Heat your oil in a heavy‐bottomed pot or deep fryer to about 350‑375 °F (≈175‑190 °C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Fry the bites in batches—do not overcrowd—until golden brown on all sides, about 2‑4 minutes depending on size/thickness. Transfer to a wire rack or paper‑towel lined tray to drain. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Serve immediately while hot and crunchy. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Offer your favourite dipping sauce on the side (e.g., marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup).
Notes
- Cold firm macaroni and cheese is much easier to shape and holds together better. If your mac is too loose or crumbly, add extra shredded cheese while still warm, then chill until firm. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake or air‑fry instead of deep‑frying. For example: after coating, bake at ~200 °C (≈400 °F) for ~15‑20 minutes or air‑fry at ~180 °C (≈360 °F) for ~5‑10 minutes each side until crisp. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- These make fantastic party appetizers or game‑day snacks. They’re best consumed immediately to enjoy their crisp outer coating and gooey interior.
- You can flavour the mac & cheese base however you like—smoked Gouda, bacon bits, jalapeño, or other mix‑ins—just ensure the mixture is firm before shaping and coating.
- Leftover fried bites can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or air‑fryer to retain crispness. But they’re best fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chill time ~30‑60 minutes)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (frying) plus heating oil time
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Forming + Breaded + Frying
- Cuisine: American Comfort / Finger Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 bites
- Calories: approx. 200‑250 kcal
- Sugar: approx. 2‑g
- Sodium: approx. 350‑mg
- Fat: approx. 12‑g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 6‑g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 5‑g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 18‑g
- Fiber: approx. 1 g
- Protein: approx. 7‑g
- Cholesterol: approx. 25‑mg
Keywords: fried mac and cheese bites, mac & cheese balls, crunchy mac cheese snack, cheese appetizer, party finger food