Prepare to elevate your mac and cheese experience to extraordinary heights with these sensational fried Mac & cheese bites! Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors as you bite into the crispy exterior, revealing a velvety, cheesy interior that will transport you to a realm of pure bliss. And guess what? This recipe is an absolute breeze, ensuring that you can relish these delectable bites without a hint of stress.
Just imagine the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a crunchy shell, unveiling a warm, gooey core that oozes with rich, cheesy goodness. These bites are an absolute game-changer, perfect for livening up game nights, parties, or any occasion when you crave some next-level comfort food. With a harmonious blend of creamy mac and cheese, a touch of spices, and a tantalizing breadcrumb coating, these fried Mac & cheese bites will undoubtedly have everyone clamoring for more.
Mac 'n' Cheese Fried Bites
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 36 minutes (plus 8 hours cooling overnight)
Serves: 6 to 8 as an appetizer
Ingredients1 pound elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Oil for frying
Directions1. Cook your macaroni al dente, following the package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, then add flour, whisking until flour is fully incorporated into butter.
3. Add the milk gradually so the sauce isn't lumpy. Mix well, adding milk slowly as you continue to whisk. Add mustard powder and nutmeg. Simmer on low for approximately 10 minutes, or until thick and smooth.
4. Add cheddar cheese and whisk until completely melted and incorporated into sauce, then turn off heat.
5. Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the sauce. Transfer into a 9-by-13-inch casserole pan that is well greased or lined with parchment paper. Let it cool in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
6. Once it's chilled, carefully flip the entire pan onto a wooden counter or cutting board. Remove the parchment paper. With a knife, cut into small 1.5- to 2-inch squares.
7. In a large bowl, lightly whisk 4 eggs. In another large bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan and cayenne pepper. Bread the mac 'n' cheese pieces by coating them first with egg and then with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
8. Fry the macaroni-and-cheese pieces in batches until they're golden brown on all sides. Serve and enjoy them!
Pro tip: Add crumbly bacon to the mac 'n' cheese mixture. Or go with a classic garlic and herbs!
