Why Make This Recipe
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun and tasty snack that everyone loves. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re having a party, watching a game, or just craving something cheesy, these bites are sure to please. Plus, they are easy to make and a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese.
How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or bites.
- Roll the bites in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are best served hot and fresh. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They make a great appetizer or snack for a gathering, and kids love them too!
How to Store Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
If you have leftover Fried Mac and Cheese Bites, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Tips to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the bites to get a good crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add spices or herbs like garlic powder or chives to the cheese mixture.
Variation
You can customize these bites by adding different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to change the flavor. You can also mix in cooked bacon or vegetables for added texture and taste.
FAQs
1. CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE?
YES, STORE-BOUGHT MAC AND CHEESE WORKS WELL IN THIS RECIPE. JUST MAKE SURE IT IS FULLY COOKED AND COOLED BEFORE MIXING WITH THE CHEESES AND EGG. IF IT SEEMS VERY SAUCY, CHILL IT FIRST SO IT FIRMS UP—THIS MAKES IT MUCH EASIER TO SHAPE INTO BALLS OR BITES.
2. CAN I BAKE THESE INSTEAD OF FRYING?
YES, YOU CAN BAKE THEM FOR A LIGHTER VERSION. PREHEAT YOUR OVEN TO 400°F (200°C) AND PLACE THE COATED BITES ON A BAKING SHEET LINED WITH PARCHMENT PAPER. LIGHTLY SPRAY OR BRUSH THEM WITH OIL AND BAKE FOR ABOUT 18–20 MINUTES, OR UNTIL GOLDEN AND CRISPY. THEY WON’T BE QUITE AS RICH AS FRIED, BUT THEY WILL STILL BE DELICIOUS.
3. HOW CAN I MAKE THESE GLUTEN-FREE?
TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BITES, USE GLUTEN-FREE PASTA FOR THE MACARONI AND GLUTEN-FREE BREADCRUMBS FOR COATING. ALSO DOUBLE-CHECK THAT ANY PREMADE MAC AND CHEESE OR SAUCES YOU USE ARE LABELED GLUTEN-FREE. WITH THESE SWAPS, THE RECIPE TURNS INTO A GREAT GLUTEN-FREE PARTY SNACK.
4. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE OIL IS HOT ENOUGH?
YOU CAN TEST THE OIL BY DROPPING IN A SMALL CRUMB OF BREAD OR A LITTLE BIT OF THE COATING. IF IT SIZZLES GENTLY AND TURNS GOLDEN WITHIN ABOUT A MINUTE, THE OIL IS READY. IF IT BROWNS TOO FAST, THE OIL IS TOO HOT; IF IT JUST SITS THERE WITHOUT SIZZLING, LET THE OIL HEAT A LITTLE LONGER.
5. CAN I FREEZE FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BITES?
YES, THESE BITES FREEZE VERY WELL. ONCE COOKED AND COOLED, ARRANGE THEM ON A BAKING SHEET AND FREEZE UNTIL FIRM, THEN TRANSFER TO A FREEZER-SAFE BAG OR CONTAINER. THEY CAN BE STORED FOR UP TO 2–3 MONTHS. TO REHEAT, BAKE THEM STRAIGHT FROM FROZEN AT 375°F (190°C) UNTIL HOT AND CRISPY AGAIN.
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs For coating
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed for frying Oil Use a frying oil of your choice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or bites.
- Roll the bites in breadcrumbs until coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.