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Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites

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These crispy mac and cheese bites feature a creamy cheese filling wrapped in a crunchy exterior, perfect as a finger food snack or party appetizer. They combine sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for an ultra-smooth texture and nostalgic comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or olive oil if baking)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly to form a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let cool slightly.
  6. Transfer mac and cheese to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  7. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (20 g) of mac and cheese mixture and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Beat eggs in one bowl and place panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  9. Dip each ball into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
  10. Refrigerate the breaded bites for 20-30 minutes to firm up before cooking.
  11. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry bites in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on a cooling rack.
  12. Serve warm immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Chilling the mac and cheese mixture before shaping is essential to hold the bites together. Double-coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates extra crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results. Baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is a less oily alternative. Freeze uncooked bites on a tray before storing in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, crispy mac and cheese, appetizer, party snack, finger food, creamy cheese filling

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-mac-and-cheese-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-creamy-cheese-filling/