Fried Mac & Cheese Bites

These Fried Mac & Cheese Bites are the perfect snack or appetizer to satisfy your cheesy cravings! Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these golden bites are a fun twist on the classic mac and cheese. They’re easy to make, and once you try them, you’ll want to make them for every party or family gathering. Whether as a party appetizer or a fun comfort food, these bites will be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni (cooled)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir in the egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

2. Shape the Bites:
   Take about 1 tablespoon of the mac and cheese mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Continue to form the rest of the bites with the remaining mixture. Place the formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the bites in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.

3. Coat the Bites:
   In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Roll each mac and cheese bite in the flour first, then dip it in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides.

4. Fry the Bites:
   In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about an inch. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully drop the mac and cheese bites into the oil. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

5. Drain and Serve:
   Remove the bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the bites hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Why You’ll Love These Bites:

• Perfect Crunch: The crispy breadcrumb coating contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling inside, creating the ultimate texture combination.

• Cheese Lover’s Dream: With cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, these bites are packed with cheesy goodness in every bite.

• Fun Party Food: Easy to eat with your hands, these bites are ideal for serving at parties, game days, or as an after-school snack.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bites ahead of time, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and fry them when ready to serve.

• Baking Option: If you prefer baking instead of frying, place the coated bites on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Fried Mac & Cheese Bites with marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, or a spicy ranch dip for added flavor. They also pair well with a side salad for a complete snack!