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mac and cheese bites recipe
- Total Time: 88 minutes
- Yield: About 24–30 bites 1x
- Diet: General
Description
These mac and cheese bites are a game-changer, offering crispy edges and a creamy center, perfect for family-friendly finger food or busy weeknights. This recipe transforms a classic into irresistible, easy-to-make bites.
Ingredients
- 7 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.75 cups full-fat milk, warmed
- 7 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3.5 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1.75 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes (or a pinch of chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2.6 ounces crispy fried onions
- 0.25 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (about 7-9 minutes), then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan, whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until the mixture thickens (3-5 minutes), simmering gently.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, along with smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper flakes, fine sea salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and coats a spoon.
- Combine and Chill: Combine the cooked macaroni, creamy cheese sauce, and lightly beaten eggs, stirring until fully coated. Spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and chill for 30 minutes to firm it up (add 1-2 tablespoons panko if loose).
- Form and Coat Bites: Scoop the chilled mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls or use a small cookie scoop for uniform portions. Roll each bite in Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage for maximum crispiness.
- Bake or Air Fry: For baking, place bites on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. For air frying, air fry at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and hot.
Notes
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, plant-based milk (like almond) and vegan cheese for dietary swaps. Enhance sauce with nutmeg or dry mustard. Grate fresh cheese for better melt and cost. If mixture is loose, add panko; spread thinly for faster chilling. Finished bites should be crusty outside, gooey inside. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 38 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg