Here’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor: Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe. I know what you’re thinking: fried food and healthy? Trust me on this one! These aren’t your average greasy bites. We use high-quality ingredients and a smart frying technique to deliver that satisfying crunch without the guilt. Plus, they're incredibly easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. As a busy parent myself, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both delicious and doable on a weeknight, and these little nuggets definitely fit the bill.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, mac and cheese was always a staple at our family gatherings. My grandma, bless her heart, made the best creamy mac and cheese, but it took hours! These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe are a fun, modern twist that captures all that comforting flavor in a fraction of the time. It allows me to give my kids that nostalgic taste without spending all day in the kitchen, and honestly, they love them even more than Grandma's!
Ingredients
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For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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For Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce begins to the sauce is smooth.
- Season and Thicken: Add the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to coat.
- Chill the Mixture: Spread the mac and cheese in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up.
- Cut into Bites: Cut the chilled mac and cheese into 1-inch squares.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bread the Bites: Dip each square in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Fry the Bites: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.1 pound elbow macaroni
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce begins to the sauce is smooth.4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups milk
- Add the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to coat.1 pound elbow macaroni
- Spread the mac and cheese in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up.
- Cut the chilled mac and cheese into 1-inch squares.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, beaten, 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
- Dip each square in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, beaten, 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.vegetable oil, for frying
- Remove the fried bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.