Description
Crispy fried homemade mac cheese bites elevate comfort food to irresistible finger-food perfection. Golden-brown exterior gives way to creamy, cheesy centers that invite you to savor each delectable morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 227 grams (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 227 grams (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Mac and Cheese Base:
- 227 grams (8 ounces) elbow macaroni
- 284 grams (10 ounces) bacon (about 14 strips), chopped
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) bacon grease or unsalted butter
- 16 grams (2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
- 270 milliliters (9.1 fluid ounces) milk
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Breading:
- 125 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 180 grams (2 cups) seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare bacon by baking at 400F for 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden. Finely chop the bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of rendered grease.
- Cook macaroni in boiling water for 7 minutes, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Create a smooth roux using reserved bacon grease and flour. Gradually whisk in milk and desired seasonings, simmering for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove sauce from heat and incorporate cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Fold chopped bacon into cheese sauce, then mix thoroughly with cooked pasta.
- Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a lined 9×9 pan, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight to firm completely.
- Once chilled, slice mixture into 36 uniform squares or carefully scoop into rounded balls using a small ice cream scoop.
- Prepare breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully coat each mac and cheese piece first in flour, then egg wash, and finally roll in panko crumbs for extra crunch.
- Arrange breaded bites on a tray and freeze until ready to fry, ensuring a crisp exterior.
- Heat oil to 360-370F and fry mac and cheese bites in small batches for 4-5 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color.
- Remove bites with a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, and immediately season with salt.
Notes
- Create crispy texture by ensuring mac and cheese mixture is completely chilled before shaping, helping bites hold their form during frying.
- Save bacon grease for extra flavor boost, adding depth to cheese sauce and enhancing overall richness of the appetizer.
- Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack to customize flavor profile and keep the recipe exciting.
- Freeze breaded mac and cheese bites before frying to prevent falling apart and achieve a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior that seals in creamy interior.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg