Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 284 g bacon (approx. 14 strips)
• 227 g elbow macaroni
• 30 g bacon grease or unsalted butter
• 16 g all-purpose flour
• 270 ml milk
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 227 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 227 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 125 g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 180 g seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces. Reserve 30 g of bacon grease or substitute with unsalted butter for the cheese sauce.

2. 2

   Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

3. 3

   Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the bacon grease or butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth sauce. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. 4

   Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg to the thickened sauce, stirring well to combine.

5. 5

   Add the Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.

6. 6

   Combine Mac and Cheese: Mix the cooked macaroni and bacon pieces into the cheese sauce thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken, ideally refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for better shaping.

7. 7

   Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with salt, pepper, and onion powder; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

8. 8

   Shape the Bites: With slightly moistened hands or a scoop, form the mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls or small cylinders.

9. 9

   Bread the Bites: Coat each bite first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

10. 10

    Fry the Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 175°C (350°F). Fry the coated bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

11. 11

    Serve: Enjoy the crispy fried mac and cheese bites immediately while hot and gooey inside. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara if desired.