Fried Mac Cheese Bites (Printer-Friendly)

Crunchy, melty mac and cheese bites ideal for sharing and snacking anytime.

# What You’ll Need to Cook:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Coating

13 - 2 large eggs, beaten
14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

# Steps to Prepare:

01 - Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until thickened. Add mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
03 - Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat.
04 - Stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in small batches until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Spread mixture into a greased baking dish and chill until firm.
06 - Shape the chilled mac and cheese mixture into small bite-sized balls or cut into cubes if semi-frozen. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
07 - Dredge each bite in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
08 - Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
09 - Serve warm with preferred dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.

# Extra Cooking Tips:

01 - Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce and better melt.
02 - Ensure mixture is completely chilled and firm before shaping to prevent falling apart.
03 - Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results.
04 - For a healthier option, bake bites at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
05 - Try adding crumbled cooked bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions to the cheese mixture for variation.

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