Description
Crispy and creamy Fried Mac N Cheese Bites are perfect bite-sized snacks made by coating chilled macaroni and cheese balls in Panko breadcrumbs and deep frying them to golden perfection. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, these irresistible treats combine gooey cheese and crunchy exterior for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups prepared macaroni and cheese, chilled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite blend)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Breading and Frying
- 2 eggs
- A splash of water (for egg wash)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Dipping Sauce
- Ranch, marinara, or other sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chilled macaroni and cheese with the shredded cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This prepares the mixture so the cheese melts well during frying.
- Scoop and Freeze: Using a spoon or small ice cream scooper, form 1.5-inch balls of the mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for 15 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, beat two eggs with a splash of water to create an egg wash. In a separate bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs for coating.
- Coat the Balls: Remove the mac n cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball fully into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the Panko breadcrumbs until well coated. Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet. Repeat for all balls.
- Freeze Again: Return the coated balls to the freezer while you heat the frying oil. This extra chill ensures the balls won’t fall apart in the hot oil.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature.
- Fry the Balls: Fry 3 to 4 balls at a time for about 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried mac n cheese bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
Notes
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or potato chips can be used as alternatives.
- For best melting results, use cheese from the deli or grate cheese yourself rather than pre-shredded packages.
- To make the bites richer, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to your mac and cheese mixture before forming the balls.
- Chilling or freezing the mac and cheese balls before frying is essential to help them maintain their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
- Ensure oil temperature is at 375°F before frying; too low results in greasy bites, too high burns the crust quickly while leaving the center cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (about 90g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
