Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

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Fried mac and cheese bites are made with ooey, gooey macaroni and cheese, dredged in panko, and deep fried to golden brown perfection. The perfect appetizer for your next meal.

Mahalo to Foodland Hawai’i for sponsoring this post. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

I mean noodles and sauce, what can be better than that. Oh wait deep fry it and now you’ve got yourself a winner.

Ooey, gooey cheesy inside pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy outside. And better yet they are bite sized and perfect finger foods for an appetizer at the dinner table or a snack on the go.

Finger food appetizers for the win. Just like baked chicken taquitos, pork hash, and air fryer sweet potato fries.

Got picky eaters? Well you’re in luck because what kid does love mac and cheese. Whether you call them mac and cheese bites, mac and cheese balls, or just deliciousness, this is the dish for your picky eater. Kids and big kids at heart will swoon over these.

First things first.

Ingredients for this mac and cheese bites recipes

• Maika’i Organic Macaroni and Cheese. This can be found at your local Foodland in the pasta aisle.
• Eggs. This helps to bind the breading to the mac and cheese ball.
• Flour. Regular all purpose flour will work fine here. If you prefer a different flour that can work as well.
• Panko. These are Japanese bread crumbs and can be found in the Asian aisle at your local grocery store.
• Cooking oil of choice. Find yourself a neutral flavor and high smoke point oil like vegetable or avocado oil.
• Optional seasonings: salt, pepper, furikake.

Can you air fry mac and cheese bites?

The great thing about this recipe is the versatility of cooking methods. Not only does frying in oil work. You can also air fry or bake in the oven for a bit of a healthier option. Pre heat air fryer to 360F and air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

How to store?

Once cooled, place the macaroni balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This will keep for 3-4 days.

How to reheat?

These bites are best served warm, however you can reheat them in the microwave, but you will lose that exterior crunch. To maintain the crunch, reheat by either refrying in oil or in the air fryer or you can opt to use the toaster oven as well.

Can you freeze mac and cheese bites?

You bet. Make some extra and freeze it for another day. I’d suggest freezing the mac and cheese balls prior to breading, however you can freeze after breading and cooking as well. Place in a zip top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer. This will keep for 4-6 months.

More awesome appetizer recipes to check out

• Smoked meat
• ​​Teriyaki meatballs
• Edamame
• Sushi bake
• Shoyu ahi poke

How to make fried mac and cheese bites?

https://youtu.be/dQV5bRFO1Ko

1. Cook Maika’i Organic Macaroni and Cheese according to package directions.
2. Scoop mac and cheese into a cupcake tray and pack it down. Cool slightly, then place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
3. Heat a pot of oil over medium heat to 350F.
4. Next, prepare the dredge. In three separate bowls add eggs, flour, and panko.
5. Dip the mac and cheese bites into the flour, then the eggs, and lastly the panko, being sure to cover completely.
6. Gently lower the mac and cheese bites into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes flipping halfway through or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil and to cool slightly and ENJOY!

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