These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate indulgent appetizer, turning your favorite comfort food into crispy, golden morsels of deliciousness! Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack, these bites are sure to be a hit. Trust me, you’ll love the satisfying crunch and gooey, cheesy center!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Mac and cheese in bite-sized form!
  • Crispy & Cheesy: Perfect texture combination.
  • Great for Parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Uses Leftovers: A creative way to repurpose mac and cheese.

fried mac and cheese bites

Ingredients

  • Leftover Homemade Mac and Cheese (See Notes): Forms the base of the bites.
  • Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds melty, mild flavor.
  • Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: Contributes a creamy, sharp taste.
  • White All-Purpose Flour: Coats the bites for even browning.
  • Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Seasons the bites.
  • Large Eggs (Beaten): Helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
  • Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating.
  • Vegetable Oil (For Frying): Ensures even frying.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine cold mac and cheese with shredded cheeses. Scoop and roll into 2-inch balls.

Step 2: Coat the Balls

Combine flour and seasonings in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in another dish. Add breadcrumbs to a third dish. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Freeze

Place coated balls on the baking sheet. Cover and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 360°F. Gently lower 4-5 balls into the oil. Fry for 4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove balls and place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with sea salt and parsley (optional). Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use extra cheesy homemade mac and cheese for best results.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
  • Freeze the balls thoroughly for a crispy exterior and gooey interior.

How to Serve Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

  • Serve as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces.
  • Perfect for game day or movie night snacks.
  • Enjoy as a fun and indulgent party food.

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze the balls ahead of time. Fry when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use boxed mac and cheese?

Homemade mac and cheese is strongly recommended for best results. Boxed mac and cheese tends to be drier and harder to form into balls. See the notes section of the recipe for more information.

2. How do I keep the oil at the right temperature?

Use a candy or oil thermometer and adjust the heat as needed. The temperature should drop slightly when you add the balls and then rise again. Maintain a temperature between 350-375°F.

3. What dipping sauces go well with these bites?

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a cheese sauce are all great options.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying provides the best texture, you can try baking them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the frozen balls on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any gathering! Simple to prepare, packed with cheesy goodness, and endlessly satisfying, this recipe is ideal for parties, snacks, or a fun twist on your favorite comfort food. Enjoy the crispy, gooey bites with every delicious bite!

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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate comfort food appetizer! Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re made with leftover homemade mac and cheese, extra cheese, and a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Leftover homemade mac and cheese (approximately 5 cups prepared)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup white all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3–4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Flaked sea salt and parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Balls:

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet:
    1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Mac and Cheese:
    1. Add cold mac and cheese to a large bowl.
    2. Add the shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheeses.
    3. Mix thoroughly, using your hands for easier combining.
  3. Shape Balls:
    1. Scoop out portions of the mac and cheese mixture and roll them into 2-inch balls.
    2. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
    3. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese.
  4. Prepare Dredging Stations:
    1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
    2. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
    3. In a third shallow dish, add the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dredge and Coat:
    1. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour mixture.
    2. Dip the ball into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
    3. Roll the ball in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring all areas are coated.
    4. Place the coated ball back on the baking sheet.
    5. Repeat with the remaining balls.
  6. Freeze:
    1. Cover the baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Fry the Balls:

  1. Prepare for Frying:
    1. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer.
    2. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a cooling rack on top.
  2. Heat Oil:
    1. Use a heavy-bottomed pan (like a Dutch oven) and add vegetable oil to a depth of 3-4 inches.
    2. Attach a candy or oil thermometer to the pan and heat the oil over high heat.
    3. Once the oil reaches 360°F (182°C), gently lower 4-5 balls into the hot oil using a spider or tongs.
  3. Fry:
    1. Set a timer for 4 minutes and turn the balls occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
    2. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a temperature between 350-375°F (177-190°C).
    3. (If balls brown too quickly, remove them early to prevent burning.)
  4. Drain and Serve:
    1. Remove the fried balls from the oil and place them on the cooling rack.
    2. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt and parsley (if desired).
    3. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Mac and Cheese: Homemade, extra cheesy mac and cheese is highly recommended for best results. Boxed mac and cheese may result in drier, less flavorful bites.
  • Leftovers: Use approximately 5 cups of prepared leftover mac and cheese.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F (177-190°C) for optimal results. Adjust the heat as needed.
  • Freezing: Freezing the balls before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the oil.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 150kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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