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Introduction:
If you're a fan of mac 'n' cheese and love the irresistible crunch of fried snacks, then Mac ‘n’ Cheese Fried Bites are the ultimate treat for you. This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac ‘n’ cheese with the satisfying crunch of a crispy coating. Whether you're preparing a party appetizer, game day snack, or a fun side dish, these fried bites will steal the show. With just a few simple ingredients, you can take your mac ‘n’ cheese experience to a whole new level. Ready to indulge in these golden, bite-sized delights? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the mac ‘n’ cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For frying:
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Directions:
Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is well coated. Allow the mac ‘n’ cheese to cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Form the Bites: Once the mac ‘n’ cheese has chilled and firmed up, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Dip each ball first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat until all the mac ‘n’ cheese balls are coated.
Fry the Bites: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the mac ‘n’ cheese bites in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them while they’re still warm and crispy!
Serving and Storage Tips:
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