Description
Crispy mac and cheese bites deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort cuisine. Golden-brown exterior gives way to creamy cheese and pasta, promising delightful flavor combinations you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices cooked and chopped bacon
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs
Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling water until tender, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, allowing excess water to evaporate completely.
- Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring consistently to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Fold chopped bacon and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution. Transfer the mixture to a shallow container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify.
- Using a cookie scoop, form uniform mac and cheese balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
- Dredge each ball first in beaten eggs, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs, creating a crisp, even coating.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully lower mac and cheese balls in small batches, frying 2-3 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior.
- Drain fried bites on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Achieve perfectly al dente pasta by cooking just until tender, avoiding mushy textures that can ruin the bite’s structural integrity.
- Create a stable cheese sauce by whisking constantly and using room temperature milk to prevent lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
- Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping to help the balls hold together during breading and frying.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375F to guarantee crispy exteriors and prevent greasy, soggy bites.
- Customize the recipe by experimenting with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Keep gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and using cornstarch instead of flour in the roux.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg