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Deliciously Crunchy Mac and Cheese Bites

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food upgrade, you’ve come to the right place! These Mac and Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, making them an irresistible snack or the perfect appetizer for any party. They offer a delightful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese we all love, and I guarantee they won’t last long once served!

Crunchy Mac and Cheese Bites in A Basket

Why You’ll Love These Mac and Cheese Bites

Perfectly Poppable: These mini delights offer a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic dish, making them easy to serve and enjoy.

Irresistible Texture: Experience the fantastic contrast between the crunchy panko crust and the creamy, melty center — it’s absolutely satisfying!

Great for Sharing: Perfectly portable, these bites are a hit at gatherings, game days, or as a late-night snack.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and simply fry right before serving. How convenient is that?!

Pile of Mac and Cheese Bites in A Basket

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni: The backbone of our mac and cheese bites, this small pasta shape holds everything together.
Cheddar & Gruyere Cheese: A delightful combination that brings rich and melty goodness to every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a roux that forms the silky cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for thickening the cheese sauce and for coating the bites.
Milk & Heavy Cream: They create a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Spices: A mix of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper enhances the flavors of the cheese sauce, with salt to taste.
Eggs: These help the panko breadcrumbs stick, providing that perfect crispy crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy texture when fried.
Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese, right? It adds an extra layer of flavor to your bites.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Bites

Get ready to transform a beloved classic into a finger-licking treat! Follow these simple steps to create your own Mac and Cheese Bites:

Cook the macaroni in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking until thick and bubbly.
Add in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper, stirring well.
Stream in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thick. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until each piece is well coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish and chill in the refrigerator until firm.
Shape the chilled mac and cheese mixture into small balls or cut into cubes if it’s semi-frozen. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for about 20-30 minutes.
Dredge the bites in seasoned flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and then roll them in a mix of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch.
Fry the bites in 350°F oil until they turn golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the bites warm with your choice of dipping sauce, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Tips For the Best Mac and Cheese Bites

A word of warning: these delicious morsels are incredibly addictive! Here are some tips to ensure each bite is as fantastic as the last:

Fresh is best: Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and a creamier sauce.
Stick to elbow macaroni: It’s the classic choice that works best for bite-sized balls.
Chill completely: Make sure the mac and cheese mixture is fully chilled before shaping; this prevents them from falling apart while frying.
Freeze the slab: You can freeze the mac and cheese mixture and then cut it into squares for a more uniform shape.
Breading tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to keep your hands neat!
Check the temp: Keep an eye on the oil temperature — 350°F is perfect for frying these bites to perfection.
Bake instead: For a healthier option, bake the bites at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Try tasty add-ins: Feel free to include crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for an extra flavor kick.
Serve with sauce: Pair your bites with ranch, marinara, or your favorite spicy aioli for added flavor!

Mac and Cheese Bites with Ranch Dressing

How to Store

Whenever I serve these bites, they’re often gone in a flash! Should you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to handle them:

To Store: Allow the bites to cool, then place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To Freeze: After shaping the mac and cheese balls, freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before breading and frying.
To Reheat: Warm the leftover bites on a baking sheet or in an air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave to keep them from becoming soggy.