Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites
These Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, transforming a classic comfort food into a handheld treat that's perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family dinner. Coated with a crunchy breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, each bite reveals a creamy, gooey interior filled with rich cheese flavors. This recipe requires planning ahead as the cheese sauce needs to be chilled for at least 8 hours, and the formed balls need to be frozen for 2 hours prior to frying. The result is an irresistible snack that will have everyone coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
82
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 quarts (N/A)
salt
1 teaspoon, divided (N/A)
uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups (N/A)
milk
1/2 cup (N/A)
additional milk
3 tablespoons (Used for egg mixture)
cheese spread
12 ounces (cubed)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
large eggs
4 (whisked for egg mixture)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 cups (N/A)
yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup (N/A)
peanut oil
for frying (N/A)
Instructions
1
Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2
In a large saucepan, bring 4 quarts of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Add in the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot, cooked macaroni with 1/2 cup of milk, cubed cheese spread, shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture until the cheeses have melted and everything is well combined.
4
Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
5
Once chilled, scoop out the macaroni and cheese mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2 hours.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining large eggs and 3 tablespoons of milk until well combined.
7
In another small bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and yellow cornmeal, mixing thoroughly.
8
Remove the frozen macaroni cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the egg mixture to coat, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
9
In a large Dutch oven, pour peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches and heat it to 350 degrees F over medium heat.
10
Fry the macaroni and cheese balls in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even frying.
11
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bites to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
2.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites?
They are a handheld twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, featuring a crunchy breadcrumb and cornmeal coating with a creamy, gooey cheese interior.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How long should I cook the elbow macaroni?
Boil the macaroni for 6-8 minutes, or until it is tender.
What types of cheese are used for the filling?
The filling uses 12 ounces of cubed cheese spread and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much milk is needed for the mac and cheese mixture?
You will need 1/2 cup of milk to combine with the cooked macaroni and cheeses.
How long does the macaroni mixture need to be refrigerated?
The mixture needs to be chilled in a 13x9-inch baking dish for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Why must the macaroni and cheese be chilled before forming balls?
Chilling allows the mixture to firm up sufficiently so it can be rolled into shapes without falling apart.
What size should the mac and cheese balls be?
The mixture should be scooped and rolled into 1-inch balls.
How long should the formed balls be frozen?
Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 2 hours.
What is the purpose of freezing the balls before frying?
Freezing helps the bites maintain their shape and structure when they hit the hot frying oil.
What ingredients are in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of 4 large eggs whisked together with 3 tablespoons of milk.
What is used to create the crispy outer coating?
A mixture of 2 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of yellow cornmeal is used for the coating.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for frying these bites.
How deep should the oil be for frying?
Pour the peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches in a large Dutch oven.
What is the ideal temperature for the frying oil?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees F over medium heat.
How long do the bites take to fry?
Each batch takes approximately 3-4 minutes to cook until golden brown.
How can I ensure the bites fry evenly?
Avoid overcrowding the pot by frying the balls in small batches.
How should I remove the bites from the hot oil?
Use a slotted spoon to safely transfer the crispy bites from the Dutch oven.
What should I do after removing the bites from the oil?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to allow any excess oil to drain.
How many calories are in a single Mac & Cheese bite?
Each bite contains 82 calories.
What is the fat content of one bite?
Each bite has 4.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per bite.
How much protein does one bite provide?
Each bite contains 2.3g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these bites are categorized as kid-friendly comfort food.
What occasions are these bites best for?
They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fun family dinner appetizer.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While peanut oil is suggested, any oil with a high smoke point suitable for frying can be used.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the 13x9-inch dish with cooking spray or olive oil before adding the macaroni mixture.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
The recipe calls for 4 quarts of water.
What seasonings are added to the macaroni?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the texture of the finished bites?
They have a very crunchy exterior from the cornmeal and breadcrumbs with a rich, creamy, and cheesy interior.