Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a delicious and comforting appetizer or snack. Made by shaping cold mac and cheese into balls, breading them in a seasoned flour, egg, and panko breadcrumb coating, and then deep frying until golden brown, these bites offer a perfect combination of gooey cheese and crunchy exterior. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and optional garnishes like chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Balls
- 6 cups prepared mac and cheese, cold
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Form mac and cheese balls: Using clean hands, roll the cold prepared mac and cheese into large 2-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze balls to set: Put the baking sheet with mac and cheese balls into the freezer for 1 hour, allowing them to firm up.
- Prepare breading stations: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, place beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Shape balls if needed: Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer and reshape into balls if any have softened or lost shape.
- Dredge in flour: Coat each ball in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip in eggs: Fully immerse each floured ball into the beaten eggs to coat completely.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Press each egg-coated ball into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure full coverage. Repeat for all balls.
- Freeze again to set coating: Place breaded balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes to help the coating adhere during frying.
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360°F (182°C).
- Fry mac and cheese bites: Fry the balls in batches for 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently to cook evenly, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried bites with a slotted spoon or tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fried mac and cheese bites hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Freezing the mac and cheese balls before breading and after breading helps them hold their shape during frying and prevents the coating from falling off.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 360°F for best frying results and crispy texture without being greasy.
- These bites can be reheated in a hot oven or air fryer to retain crispiness if made ahead.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture or mac and cheese before shaping.
- Vegetable oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil also work well.
