Description
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of crispy, cheesy goodness! Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate party appetizer, guaranteed to delight taste buds and impress your guests. These bite-sized morsels combine the irresistible flavors of creamy mac and cheese with a satisfying crunch, creating a snack that’s simply out of this world.
Ingredients
- 2 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until they are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Once the mac and cheese has chilled, scoop out portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
6. Roll each ball in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it in breadcrumbs.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain the fried mac and cheese bites on paper towels and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
To ensure your Fried Mac and Cheese Bites turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
– Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly: Allowing the mac and cheese to chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) helps the bites hold their shape during the frying process.
– Use a combination of cheeses: The blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates the ultimate cheese flavor profile.
– Bread the bites carefully: Ensure each bite is fully coated in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture for a crispy, crunchy exterior.
– Maintain the oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown color and texture.
– Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the bites to lose their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 bites
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg