When it comes to holiday gatherings, who can resist the allure of Mac & Cheese? These Mac & Cheese Bites take comfort food to the next level, transforming a classic dish into a delightful, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re a fantastic way to utilize those holiday leftovers while adding a fun twist to your appetizer spread. Serve them with a glass of Bread & Butter Chardonnay, and you’ve got an irresistible combo that will have your guests raving.
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these Mac & Cheese Bites are sure to be the star of your holiday entertaining. They’re easy to whip up ahead of time, leaving you free to mingle with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. So, grab your leftover mac and cheese, and let’s get ready to make some magic happen this holiday season!
Fried mac and cheese balls
Overview
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfect for holiday entertaining! 🧀✨ Pair these Fried Mac and Cheese bites with Bread & Butter Chardonnay for a match made in heaven—no need to overthink it! 🍷
Ingredients
- **2 cups** leftover baked mac and cheese
- **1 cup** all-purpose flour
- **2 large** eggs
- **1 cup** breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- **Vegetable oil** for frying
- **Salt** and **pepper** to taste
- Optional: **Grated Parmesan cheese** for extra flavor
Instructions
- *Prepare the Mac and Cheese Bites: Scoop out portions of the leftover mac and cheese and roll them into 1- to 2-inch balls. If the mac and cheese is too dry or crumbly, mix in a little milk or shredded cheese to help it stick together.
- *Set Up the Breading Station: Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
- *Bread the Mac and Cheese Bites: Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
- Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Set the breaded bites aside on a plate.
- *Fry the Bites: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the breaded mac and cheese bites into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- *Serve: Serve the fried mac and cheese bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
About Natasha Greene
Natasha Greene is not just a content creator—she's a multifaceted force of creativity, entertainment, and warmth. She invites her audience into her world with her passion for cooking, but her style isn't confined to the kitchen: it extends seamlessly into the realms of fashion, beauty, and family life, too. Whether she’s sharing a vibrant recipe, celebrating natural, black hair and beauty, or taking you along on her health and wellness journey, her genuineness and love for life always shine through. It's no mystery why she has amassed the dedicated following that she has!