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Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites for Ultimate Comfort Cravings

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites for Ultimate Comfort Bliss

Enjoy these Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites for Ultimate Comfort Cravings, perfect for game nights or cozy movie marathons.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bites
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Feel free to experiment with shells or cavatappi.
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese High-quality cheese yields the best flavor.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Avoid low-fat options.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Essential for a rich cheese sauce.
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Light and crispy coating.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the bites together.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Optional flavor booster.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Enhances color.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Serving
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce For dipping.
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing For dipping.
  • 1 cup Spicy Aioli For dipping.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Parchment Paper
  • Deep Pan
  • slotted spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the macaroni by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. Make the cheese sauce by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan, whisking in all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes, then gradually adding whole milk until thickened.
  3. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, then fold in the cooled macaroni.
  4. Chill the mixture in a shallow dish for at least 1 hour until firm.
  5. Form the bites into 1-inch balls and prepare a breading station with beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Coat each mac and cheese ball first in beaten eggs, then in panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Fry the bites in oil heated to 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1biteCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Customize by adding spicy jalapeños or crispy bacon bits for an indulgent twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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