Fried Mac & Cheese Bites: 1 Foolproof Recipe
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Crispy fried mac and cheese bites drizzled with hot honey. A sweet and spicy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
- Author: Noah Younssi
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once firm, cut the mac and cheese into 1-inch squares.
- Set up a dredging station: one shallow dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each mac and cheese square in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches, without overcrowding the pot, for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Arrange fried mac and cheese bites on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the mac and cheese is completely chilled and firm before cutting and frying.
- You can make the mac and cheese mixture a day in advance.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 bites
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A