Description
Get ready to turn your favorite comfort food into the star of every party! These Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites take everything you love about classic mac and cheese—creamy, cheesy, cozy goodness—and wrap it in a golden, ultra-crispy shell. Each bite is a little pocket of heaven: crunchy outside, molten cheesy inside, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re deep-frying for that perfect crunch or air-frying for a lighter twist, these bites are pure joy in snack form. Perfect for game nights, holidays, or anytime you want to wow your guests.
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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¼ cup + 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
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½ cup whole milk
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3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 large eggs (beaten)
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2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
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Oil for frying (or spray for air fryer)
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni just to al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in ¼ cup flour, cook 1 min. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine & Chill: Mix sauce with pasta. Spread on a tray and chill for 30 min until firm.
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Form & Freeze: Roll cold mac into balls. Freeze 15–20 min for stability.
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Coat: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then roll in Panko.
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Cook:
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Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 min until golden.
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Air Fry: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 min, flipping halfway.
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Serve Hot: Pair with marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo!
Notes
Chill time = perfect shape. Don’t skip it!
Mix in bacon, jalapeños, or lobster for extra flair.
Freeze before frying for make-ahead magic.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 cal Per Bite
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 5g