What the heck is this?
Imagine taking your favorite creamy, cheesy, gooey mac and cheese, giving it a little makeover, and turning it into a snackable, party-perfect appetizer. That is exactly what these Mac and Cheese Bites are. Crunchy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and basically impossible to resist. They are the perfect solution when you want mac and cheese but also want to eat it with your hands like a rebel. Whether you are planning a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a fun twist on a comfort food classic, these bites will disappear faster than you can say “cheddar.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect finger food for parties, potlucks, and kids’ lunches
- Crispy, golden-brown exterior with a creamy, cheesy center
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly
- Totally customizable with different cheeses, spices, or even add-ins like bacon
- Way more exciting than a bowl of regular mac and cheese
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
For Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for baking, or oil for frying
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the beaten egg. The egg will help bind everything together so the bites hold their shape.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the bites are formed, place the tray in the freezer for about 1 hour. This makes them easier to bread and cook without falling apart.
Step 5: Bread the Bites
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each mac and cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the panko. Make sure they are fully coated for maximum crispiness.
Step 6: Cook the Bites
To Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
To Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
These Mac and Cheese Bites are absolutely perfect served with:
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
- A spicy aioli or Sriracha mayo for a little kick
- As a fun side dish with burgers or fried chicken
- On a party platter with other finger foods like sliders and wings
Switch It Up
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a little blue cheese for extra oomph.
- Add Some Meat: Stir in crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even tiny bits of crispy chicken.
- Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the cheese sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne.
- Herb It Up: Toss in some finely chopped chives, parsley, or thyme into the mac and cheese mixture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can fully assemble and bread the bites ahead of time, then freeze them.
- Bake or fry straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Leftovers? Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use boxed mac and cheese?
A: You could in a pinch, but homemade cheese sauce gives you better flavor and a sturdier bite. Boxed mac tends to be a little too soft and gooey for shaping.
Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A: Chilling the bites before breading is key. Also, do not skip the egg in the mac and cheese mixture—it acts like glue.
Q: Can I air fry them?
A: Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Mac and Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 bites 1x
Description
Imagine taking your favorite creamy, cheesy, gooey mac and cheese, giving it a little makeover, and turning it into a snackable, party-perfect appetizer. That is exactly what these Mac and Cheese Bites are. Crunchy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and basically impossible to resist. They are the perfect solution when you want mac and cheese but also want to eat it with your hands like a rebel. Whether you are planning a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a fun twist on a comfort food classic, these bites will disappear faster than you can say “cheddar.”
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large egg, beaten
For Breading
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or oil for baking, or oil for frying
Instructions
Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the beaten egg. The egg will help bind everything together so the bites hold their shape.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the bites are formed, place the tray in the freezer for about 1 hour. This makes them easier to bread and cook without falling apart.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each mac and cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the panko. Make sure they are fully coated for maximum crispiness.
To Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
To Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
These Mac and Cheese Bites are absolutely perfect served with:
Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
A spicy aioli or Sriracha mayo for a little kick
As a fun side dish with burgers or fried chicken
On a party platter with other finger foods like sliders and wings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~210 calories(2 bites)
- Protein: ~8g (2 bites)