Crispy Cheesy Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe
Enjoy these crispy, bite-sized Mac and Cheese Bites that combine creamy, cheesy mac and cheese filling with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Perfect as a comforting finger food snack, these bites offer a convenient way to savor classic Southern American mac and cheese flavors in an irresistible appetizer form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 cup (100-120g) breadcrumbs
- 1-2 tablespoons (14-28g) butter
- 1 teaspoon (5g) minced garlic
Mac and Cheese Bites Filling
- 8 ounces (225g) uncooked macaroni
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (15g) flour
- 1 12-ounce can or 1½ cups (350ml) milk
- ½-1 tablespoon (10-11g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (9-10g) garlic powder
- ½-1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper
- ½ cup (55-60g) grated mozzarella cheese
- ½-1 cup (60-113g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (55-60g) grated jack cheese
- 2 large eggs (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 5-6 slices cooked crisp and chopped or crumbled bacon (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ cup (55-60g) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (145g) cooked lobster, chopped
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Boil the uncooked macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually stir in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Season sauce: Add onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the thickened sauce. Stir in the grated mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and jack cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. If using, whisk in the eggs to help bind the mixture, then fold in any optional add-ins like bacon or lobster.
- Form bites: Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape into about 12 bite-sized balls or rounds, ensuring they hold together firmly.
- Prepare breadcrumb coating: Melt butter in a small pan and stir in minced garlic, then add the breadcrumbs and lightly toast them until fragrant, coating evenly with the garlic butter.
- Coat bites: Roll each mac and cheese bite in the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to create a crunchy outer layer.
- Bake the bites: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for approximately 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to firm up before serving. Enjoy warm as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular macaroni and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- The eggs in the filling mixture are optional but help with binding the bites together.
- Add-ins like crisp bacon or lobster give extra flavor and texture but can be omitted for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure mac and cheese mixture is cooled enough to handle shaping without sticking excessively.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
