Description
Crispy mac and cheese bites elevate comfort classics with a golden, crunchy exterior and creamy interior. Cheese lovers will savor this irresistible appetizer that promises to delight and satisfy your snacking cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) macaroni
- 16 oz (454 g) sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) milk
- ½ cup (60 g) flour
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to develop a luxurious, velvety base.
- Cheese Integration: Fold shredded cheese into the sauce until melted, creating a silky mixture. Blend cooked macaroni thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Chilling Process: Transfer mac and cheese to a container and refrigerate until completely firm and chilled, allowing the mixture to set solidly.
- Shaping Technique: Form compact spheres using hands or a small scoop, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze to stabilize their structure.
- Coating Preparation: Create an egg wash by whisking eggs and milk together, then set up a breading station with seasoned breadcrumbs for complete coverage.
- Frying Procedure: Heat oil to 160 degrees Celsius in a deep fryer or heavy skillet, carefully submerging breaded mac and cheese balls in small batches.
- Finishing Touch: Fry until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior, turning occasionally to ensure even crispness. Drain on paper towels and serve piping hot for maximum crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate mac and cheese mixture for 1-2 hours to ensure firm, compact balls that hold their shape during frying.
- Freeze for Stability: Freeze mac and cheese spheres for at least 1 hour, preventing them from falling apart when dropped into hot oil.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry 4-5 bites at a time to keep oil consistently hot, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy bites right after frying to experience the perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy, melted cheese interior.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg