Oh my goodness, let’s talk about a little culinary gem that I adore: Mac and Cheese Bites! I can almost hear the sound of deliciousness. These little nuggets of cheesy goodness take everything we love about classic mac and cheese and transform them into crispy, golden bites that are simply irresistible. Whenever I whip up a batch of these, my friends and family gather like moths to a flame – you just can’t resist dipping into that crispy exterior to uncover the gooey cheese inside.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a potluck a few years ago, and let me tell you, my life was changed. The host had served these delightful bites as appetizers, and I found myself going back for seconds… and thirds. Now, they’ve become my go-to recipe for gatherings. If you’re looking for something that’ll impress your guests, or even just treat yourself to a little indulgence, buckle up – because I’m sharing my beloved mac and cheese bites with you!
What’s in Mac and Cheese Bites?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these tasty bites so special:
Cooked Elbow Macaroni: The star of the show! The pasta provides that familiar comfort and texture we all crave.
Cheddar Cheese: I like to use sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. The more cheese, the merrier!
Milk: This adds creaminess to the cheese sauce, making every bite luscious and rich.
Butter: For creating a roux and adding flavor – because butter makes everything better!
All-Purpose Flour: This is used to thicken our cheese sauce. It’s quite the unsung hero of the mac and cheese world.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These give the bites a subtle flavor that enhances the cheese perfectly.
Paprika: Adds that hint of smokiness and a lovely color to the bites.
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning duo – can’t have bland mac and cheese bites!
Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko for its extra crunch factor. It takes the texture from good to phenomenal!
Eggs: These help bind everything together and create that crispy coating when fried.
Vegetable Oil: For frying up those mac and cheese bites to golden perfection!
Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness on top.
Is Mac and Cheese Bites Good for You?
Let’s be real – while these mac and cheese bites are outrageously delicious, they aren’t exactly health food. But they do have some perks! For starters, the **cheddar cheese** is a great source of calcium, which is fantastic for our bones. And the **elbow macaroni** is packed with carbohydrates, which means you’ll get an energy boost after indulging. However, due to the frying, they can be high in calories and fat, so moderation is key here. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you could always try baking instead of frying for a lighter version!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
**Servings:** About 18-20 mac and cheese bites.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Bites?
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the **butter**. Stir in the **flour** and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually whisk in the **milk**, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the shredded **cheddar cheese**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine the cooked **elbow macaroni** with the cheese sauce, mixing well until the **pasta** is thoroughly coated.
5. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and allow it to cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Once cooled, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
7. In a shallow bowl, beat the **eggs**. In another bowl, place the **breadcrumbs**.
8. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the **breadcrumbs** until fully coated.
9. In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat **vegetable oil** over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
11. Serve warm, garnished with **fresh parsley** if desired. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy mac and cheese bites!
Serving Ideas & Variations
Let’s jazz things up a little! You can dip these bites in your favorite sauce – ranch, marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo if you like a kick. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some chopped jalapeños or crumbled bacon into the mac and cheese mixture before rolling them into bites. You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip up some of these divine Mac and Cheese Bites! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for yourself (because why not?), these bites are sure to be a hit!
