Crispy Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites
Indulge in these Crispy Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites, a nostalgic twist on the classic comfort food! Each bite features a deliciously creamy macaroni and cheese center, enriched with savory, crumbled bacon, all enveloped in a crunchy panko coating. As they bake to a perfect golden brown, the aroma will transport you back to your childhood kitchen. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these bites are designed to delight palates of all ages. Paired with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, these little morsels are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun finger food that sparks memories and conversation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wondra Flour
2 cups (Coarse flour for dusting)
Beaten Eggs
3 (Whisk eggs until uniform in color)
Egg Yolks
2 (Whisk with beaten eggs until well mixed)
Panko Breadcrumbs
2 cups (Coarse breadcrumbs for coating)
Crumbled Bacon
1 cup (Cooked and crumbled into bits)
Simply Macaroni & Cheese
1 (20-ounce) package (Prepared according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. Once ready, allow it to cool slightly and mix in the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
2
2. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the macaroni and cheese mixture and roll it into a tight ball. Line a parchment-covered baking sheet with the formed balls. Repeat until all the mixture is used, then freeze the bites for approximately 20 minutes to help them firm up.
3
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, prepare for breading: on one plate, combine Wondra flour and a pinch of salt; on another plate, beat the eggs and egg yolks until well mixed; and on a third plate, place the panko breadcrumbs.
4
4. Remove the macaroni bites from the freezer. Dip each bite in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated, followed by the egg mixture, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5
5. Arrange the coated bites on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6
6. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the delightful crunch and savory filling!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites?
They are a baked appetizer featuring a creamy macaroni and cheese center mixed with bacon and coated in crunchy panko.
What is the main ingredient used in this recipe?
The main ingredient is a 20-ounce package of Simply Macaroni & Cheese.
What type of flour is recommended for dusting?
Wondra Flour is recommended as the coarse flour for dusting.
How much crumbled bacon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon.
How many eggs are required for the breading?
You need 3 beaten eggs plus 2 additional egg yolks.
What type of breadcrumbs provides the crispy coating?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to achieve a crunchy exterior.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How do you prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture?
Prepare it according to package instructions, let it cool slightly, and then mix in the crumbled bacon.
How do you form the mac and cheese bites?
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a tight ball.
Why should the bites be frozen before breading?
Freezing them for approximately 20 minutes helps the bites firm up so they hold their shape.
What is the first step in the breading process?
The first step is to dip each bite in a mixture of flour and a pinch of salt.
What is the second step in the breading process?
The second step is to dip the floured bites into the beaten egg and egg yolk mixture.
What is the final step in the breading process?
The final step is to roll the bites in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
How should the bites be arranged for baking?
Arrange the coated bites on a baking rack set over a baking sheet.
Do I need to use cooking spray?
Yes, lightly spray the bites with non-stick cooking spray before baking to help them brown.
How long do the bites need to bake?
They should bake for 15 minutes.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
What is a recommended dipping sauce for these bites?
A zesty marinara sauce is highly recommended for dipping.
Can I serve these bites cold?
It is best to serve them warm to enjoy the delightful crunch and savory filling.
Is this recipe considered a finger food?
Yes, these bites are designed as a fun finger food for parties or gatherings.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
You can expect a savory, smoky flavor from the bacon and a creamy, comforting taste from the cheese.
What should I line my baking sheet with?
Use parchment paper to cover the baking sheet when freezing the initial balls.
How much Wondra flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of Wondra flour.
How many panko breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.
What type of occasions are these bites suitable for?
They are great for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is combined with the flour for seasoning.
What is the texture of the center?
The center is deliciously creamy macaroni and cheese.
Are these bites fried?
No, these bites are baked in the oven until crispy.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these bites are designed to delight palates of all ages.