Mac and Cheese Bites are little crispy nuggets of cheesy goodness! They’re made with creamy macaroni and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried to golden perfection.
Who can resist these cheesy treats? Perfect as a snack or party appetizer! I love making a big batch—you can never have too many cheesy bites! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese. If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use any small pasta shape, like shells, penne, or fusilli. They all work well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but if you prefer different cheese, go for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of cheeses. Feel adventurous and try a melted cheese blend!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are key for the crunchy coating. If panko isn’t available, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but they might not be as crispy. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Cooking Oil: Use any oil with a high smoke point for frying, like canola or vegetable oil. If you’re baking, opt for cooking spray or olive oil for a lighter touch.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is crucial for mac and cheese bites. Here’s how to master it:
- Start by melting butter in a saucepan and adding flour to form a roux. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes—this helps thicken the sauce.
- Slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Tasting at this stage is a must—it should be delicious!
Adjust seasoning according to your taste. Don’t rush this step—it can make or break your bites!
How to Make Delicious Mac And Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking oil (for frying or spray for baking)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of active cooking time and then requires at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge before frying or baking. So, plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth roux that just starts to bubble. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine the Cheese Sauce and Macaroni:
Once your sauce is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Add the drained macaroni to this cheesy goodness and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to shape into bites. This step is essential for getting nice, crispy bites!
5. Prepare Your Breading Station:
While the mac and cheese chills, beat the eggs in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will be your crispy coating!
6. Form the Bites:
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, form the chilled mac and cheese into bite-sized portions. Dip each portion into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
7. Cook the Bites:
You have two options here:
- To Fry: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to drain them on paper towels after frying.
- To Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops with more cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bites are cooked to perfection, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve them warm and watch how quickly they disappear!
This recipe makes about 20-24 bites, perfect for sharing at parties or as a delightful snack. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli for a fun twist on texture.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, though they might not be as crunchy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the bites crispy!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture in advance and chill it for up to a day before forming the bites. Just make sure to coat and cook them just before serving to maintain that crispy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover mac and cheese bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help keep them crispy.
