Description
Crispy golden mac and cheese bites deliver an irresistible fusion of comfort classic and finger-food magic. Gooey cheese meets crunchy exterior, creating a mouthwatering snack perfect for game day parties or casual gatherings you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (453 grams) macaroni
- 16 ounces (454 grams) sharp cheddar cheese (block or shredded)
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) flour
- 1 1/4 cup (296 milliliters) milk (divided)
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni noodles by submerging them in boiling water until they reach a tender consistency, then thoroughly drain and set aside to cool.
- Craft a velvety roux in a spacious pan by melting butter and gradually incorporating flour, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a delicate golden hue.
- Introduce milk to the roux, whisking diligently to create a smooth base, then gradually fold in cheese, allowing each handful to melt and integrate seamlessly into a luxurious sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper, then gently fold the cooked macaroni into the mixture, ensuring every noodle is lavishly coated with the creamy blend.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a container and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the mixture to solidify and become easier to handle.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and methodically shape the chilled mac and cheese into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
- Place the formed balls into the freezer for at least an hour, which will help them maintain their shape during the breading and frying process.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a shallow dish, creating a smooth, well-combined egg wash for coating.
- Carefully dunk each frozen mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 320°F, preparing for the final transformation of these delectable bites.
- Carefully lower the breaded mac and cheese balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches for 3-4 minutes until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Remove the fried bites and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, then serve immediately alongside your preferred dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Perfectly cook macaroni al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure bites hold their shape during frying.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste combinations.
- Freeze mac and cheese balls completely solid before breading to guarantee a crispy exterior and prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg