Description
Crispy, cheesy bites of mac and cheese that are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or party dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb macaroni
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, stirring until it takes on a light brown hue, creating a roux.
- Make it creamy: Gradually add 1 cup of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cheese gradually, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until thoroughly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until cold.
- Prepare for frying: Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Once the mixture is cold, form it into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared sheet. Freeze for at least an hour (or overnight for best results).
- Make the egg wash: Beat the eggs and combine with 1/4 cup milk in a bowl.
- Coat the bites: Dip the cheese balls into the egg wash followed by rolling them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or a skillet, heat oil to 320 degrees F (or fill the skillet 1/2-3/4 inch deep).
- Fry: Carefully fry the balls for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with marinara sauce or aioli. For best results, ensure the cheese sauce thickens properly and the oil is heated to the right temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg