Mac and cheese bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They’re like little pockets of happiness that you can’t resist!
These bites are perfect as a snack or a party treat. Just pop them in the oven, and in no time, you’ll be munching on pure cheesy goodness. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow macaroni: This classic shape is perfect for mac and cheese bites. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, you can swap it for mild cheddar or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for creaminess.
Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs make the bites extra crispy. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not be as crunchy. Try adding a bit of cornmeal for extra texture!
Whole milk: For a richer flavor, whole milk is great. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk like almond milk can be used, though it may slightly change the taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce is Perfectly Smooth?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is crucial for mac and cheese bites. The key is to whisk well and be patient.
- Start with a medium heat to melt the butter completely before adding the flour. This creates a roux.
- Whisk the flour into the melted butter for at least 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add milk slowly, continually whisking to avoid lumps. It helps the mixture to thicken more evenly.
- Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from heat before adding the cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Don’t rush this step, as a well-made cheese sauce is the heart of your mac and cheese bites!
How to Make Mac And Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil for frying (or oil spray for baking)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus 1 hour to chill the mixture in the fridge. After that, you will either fry or bake the bites, which takes an additional 15-20 minutes. In total, you’ll need a little over 1.5 hours to enjoy freshly made Mac and Cheese Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is slightly golden and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the whole milk while continuing to stir. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
3. Combine the Pasta and Cheese:
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring that all pasta is evenly coated. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour until it’s firm enough to handle.
4. Shape the Bites:
Once the macaroni and cheese mixture is chilled, use your hands or a small scoop to shape it into bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
5. Prepare the Coating:
In one bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will give your bites that delicious crispy coating!
6. Coat the Bites:
Dip each mac and cheese ball in the beaten eggs first, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until completely covered. If you want extra crunch, you can double dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
7. Cook the Bites:
You have two options here:
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes each until golden brown. Drain the cooked bites on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a greased wire rack. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
8. Serve:
Once cooked, garnish your mac and cheese bites with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve them hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these delicious and crispy treats!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with any gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can vary in how long it takes to cook.
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture a day in advance and shape the bites. Keep them stored in the fridge, and they will hold up well. Just coat and cook them right before serving for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Mac And Cheese Bites?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mac and cheese bites. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
