Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

from Family Circle

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Servings: 30 Yield: 30 bites Prep 30 mins Cook 7 mins Chill overnight Fry 4 mins per batch

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces (about 4 cups) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced deli American cheese, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 box (8 oz) Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
  • 6 cups peanut or vegetable oil, for frying

Make It

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook 7 minutes or per package directions; drain.

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking until bubbly. While whisking, add 1 1/4 cups of the milk in a thin stream. Season with salt, black pepper and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of the cheddar and the American cheese. Fold into macaroni in a large bowl. Let cool slightly, then stir in mozzarella and remaining 1 cup cheddar. Spread mac and cheese onto a rimmed sheet. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

3. Use a scoop to spoon out about 1/4 cup of the mixture at a time and shape into 2- to 3-inch balls, compressing slightly.

4. Whisk eggs with remaining 1/4 cup milk. Dip balls in egg mixture, then coat in panko.

5. Heat oil in a deep 4-quart pot to 360 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry 6 or 7 mac and cheese bites at a time for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, until golden. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 30; Amount Per Serving: cal. (kcal): 200, Fat, total (g): 14, chol. (mg): 31, sat. fat (g): 5, carb. (g): 13, fiber (g): , pro. (g): 6, sodium (mg): 255, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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