Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack? Look no further than these Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites! These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to family movie nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- These Mac and Cheese Bites are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon.
- They are quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Bacon Mac and Cheese:
- Bacon
- Elbow macaroni
- Bacon grease or unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Fine sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Ground nutmeg
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
For the Breading:
- All-purpose flour
- Fine sea salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Eggs
- Seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt bacon grease or butter, then whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted, then mix in cooked macaroni and chopped bacon.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate until firm.
- Cut the mac and cheese into bite-sized squares, then dredge in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry the bites in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or green onions to the mac and cheese mixture.
- To make these bites ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet before frying and store in a freezer-safe container.
- Swap out the bacon for cooked ham or crispy prosciutto for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure the mac and cheese mixture is fully chilled before cutting into squares for easier handling.
- Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet for frying to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the oil to come back to temperature between batches to prevent the bites from becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions:
These Mac and Cheese Bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Pair them with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I bake these Mac and Cheese Bites instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy. - Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique flavor. - Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making them for your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time! Don’t forget to share your feedback and tag us on social media when you do. Happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these crispy fried homemade mac and cheese bites that are bursting with cheesy goodness and savory bacon flavors. Perfect for snacking or as a delightful appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Bacon Mac and Cheese:
- 284 g bacon (approx. 14 strips)
- 227 g elbow macaroni
- 30 g bacon grease or unsalted butter
- 16 g all-purpose flour
- 270 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 227 g sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 227 g Monterey Jack cheese shredded
For the Breading:
- 125 g all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 180 g seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Macaroni: Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt bacon grease or butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and spices. Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine Bacon, Macaroni, and Cheese: Mix cooked bacon and macaroni with cheese sauce, then refrigerate until firm.
- Bread and Fry: Cut the mac and cheese mixture into bites, coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry until golden brown.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings and cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier version, consider baking the bites instead of frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg