Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

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If you love mac and cheese, imagine it turned into crispy, golden bites of pure comfort food bliss. Fried mac and cheese bites are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese in every bite.

Deep-fried mac and cheese bites rest on a wooden board, surrounded by shredded cheese and a tangy dipping sauce.

These cheesy bites will steal the show, whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or a fun appetizer.

There’s something about deep-fried mac and cheese bites that hits differently.

The crunchy, golden coating contrasts perfectly with the rich, gooey mac and cheese center.

It’s the best of both worlds in every bite-sized piece. Plus, they’re easy to make and way more fun to eat than regular mac and cheese.

A wooden board with deep-fried mac and cheese bites, some whole and one cut open, surrounded by scattered cheese shreds and accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce.

These cheesy bites will steal the show, whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or a fun appetizer.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

  • Perfect balance of crunch and gooey goodness – Crispy coating, creamy mac and cheese center.
  • Crowd-pleaser – A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
  • Easy to make ahead – Prep and chill, then fry when you're ready to serve.
  • Customizable – Switch up the cheeses, add some heat, or mix in extras like bacon.

Ingredients for Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Various ingredients for making fried mac and cheese bites are arranged on a surface, including pasta, shredded cheeses, milk, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, butter, and spices in bowls.

Mac and Cheese

  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole milk
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Elbow macaroni

Coating

A square pan of baked macaroni and cheese rests beside bowls of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs on a white surface, ready to transform into crispy fried mac and cheese bites.
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Panko breadcrumbs

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Equipment:

Frying Pan

Pot

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

A white pot with wooden handles contains uncooked elbow macaroni soaking in water, ready to be transformed into crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites against a plain background.

Step 1: Make the Mac and Cheese

A white pot with wooden handles is filled with cavatappi pasta in boiling water, viewed from above, ready to be transformed into delicious fried mac and cheese bites.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.

A white frying pan on a white surface contains melted butter and flour, partially mixed—the first step in crafting the perfect batter for deep-fried mac and cheese bites.

Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat, stir in the flour, and whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, cooking until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

A frying pan with creamy yellow sauce, topped with a sprinkle of red and white spices, sits on a white surface, perfectly complementing the irresistible allure of deep-fried mac and cheese bites.

Lower the heat, add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

A white pan filled with cooked cavatappi pasta in a creamy sauce, reminiscent of the decadent flavors found in deep-fried mac and cheese bites, sits elegantly on a white surface.

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

A pot of creamy macaroni and cheese sits on a white surface, reminiscent of the deliciousness found in deep-fried mac and cheese bites.

Transfer to a shallow dish, let it cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

A black baking dish sits on a white background, holding macaroni and cheese covered with plastic wrap, reminiscent of homemade Mac and Cheese Bites in their pre-fried glory.

Step 2: Shape and Coat the Bites

Whisk eggs and 1 tbsp milk in a small bowl.

Place flour in one bowl and panko breadcrumbs in another.

Roll the chilled mac and cheese into 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls.

A hand holds a golden, crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bite. Nearby are bowls of flour, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and a pan with creamy macaroni mixture waiting to be transformed into delicious deep-fried treats.

Dip each ball in the flour

A spoon holds a cheese ball mixture over bowls of flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs, capturing the essence of preparing deep-fried mac and cheese bites. In the background, a baking dish stands ready for the savory delight.

Then coat the egg mixture

A person coats a ball of mac and cheese in breadcrumbs over a bowl, crafting deep-fried mac and cheese bites. Nearby are a baking dish of mac and cheese, a bowl of flour, and a bowl of beaten eggs.

Roll in the breadcrumbs.

Dip back into the egg and flour before a second breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.

A plate of golden-brown mac and cheese bites, each deliciously deep-fried to perfection, arranged in a tempting pyramid shape.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Frying pan with oil sizzles as deep-fried mac and cheese bites bubble at the surface, creating a mouthwatering aroma.

Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).

Pan with hot oil frying deep-fried mac and cheese bites, creating bubbling and foaming.

Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden brown.

Golden brown fried Mac and Cheese Bites are arranged on a white paper towel, perfectly placed on a plate.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

A hand holding a crispy fried mac and cheese bite dipped in creamy sauce, with a plate of deep-fried mac and cheese bites in the background.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • Chill before frying – This helps the bites hold their shape and keeps them from falling apart.
  • Double-coat for extra crunch – A second dip in the flour and egg mixture makes them crispier.
  • Use panko for the best crunch – Regular breadcrumbs won’t give the same crispy texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure even cooking.
  • Let them rest before serving – The cheese inside is super hot right after frying, so give them a minute before digging in.
Close-up of crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites on a wooden surface, one cut open revealing creamy macaroni inside. Shredded cheese is scattered nearby.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? Try these delicious variations:

  • Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the mac and cheese.
  • Extra Cheesy – Mix in some mozzarella for a gooey cheese pull.
  • Bacon Lover’s Version – Stir crispy bacon bits into the mac and cheese before chilling.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

What to Serve with Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

These crispy bites pair perfectly with a variety of dips:

  • Marinara sauce – A classic option for an Italian twist.
  • Ranch dressing – Because everything is better with ranch.
  • Spicy aioli – A creamy dip with a little heat.
  • Honey mustard – Sweet, tangy, and ridiculously good.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

  • Make Ahead – Shape and coat the bites, then store them in the fridge until ready to fry.
  • Freezing – Place uncooked bites on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
  • Reheating – Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Crispy fried mac and cheese bites with shredded cheese sit atop a wooden board, complemented by a bowl of dipping sauce in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?

Yes! For the oven, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. In the air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point.

Why are my mac and cheese bites falling apart?

If they’re breaking apart, they may need more chilling time. Make sure they’re fully firm before shaping and coating.

What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese bites?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack give the best balance of flavor and meltability, but gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack work, too.

Can I use leftover mac and cheese?

Yes! If your leftovers are too soft, mix in extra shredded cheese to firm them up before shaping.

A wooden board showcases a tempting array of fried mac and cheese bites. One bite is cut open, revealing the creamy mac and cheese filling inside. Shredded cheese is artfully scattered across the board.

Try These Crispy, Cheesy Bites Today

Fried mac and cheese bites are everything you love about classic mac and cheese, transformed into crispy, poppable bites.

They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making them for a family snack or a party, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

If you try this recipe, let me know how they turned out.

Tag me in your pictures, share your favorite dipping sauce, or tell me if you made any fun variations.

I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to indulge in delightful desserts celebrating love and sweetness. Here are some irresistible treats from Sweet and Savory Morsels that will make your Valentine's Day extra special:

Close-up of crispy fried mac and cheese bites on a wooden surface, with one split open to reveal the gooey pasta inside, surrounded by scattered shredded cheese.

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Close-up of crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites on a wooden surface, one cut open revealing creamy macaroni inside. Shredded cheese is scattered nearby.
If you love mac and cheese, imagine it turned into crispy, golden bites of pure comfort food bliss. Fried mac & cheese bites are crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese in every bite.
84758d602cdcd90fa2a5d32530aef165?s=30&d=mm&r=gKelly
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces monterey jack cheese
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Coating

  • cup all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat, stir in flour, and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, and cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
  • Lower heat, add cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  • Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer to a shallow dish, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour)
  • Whisk eggs and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl.
  • Place panko breadcrumbs and flour in 2 separate bowls.
  • Roll chilled mac and cheese into 1-2 tablespoon-sized balls.
  • Dip each ball in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and lastly roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat the flour and egg dip twice before adding to the breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning until golden and crispy.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.

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