FRIED MAC & CHEESE BITES | Easy & Delicious Appetizer Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while adding creaminess.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko crumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is usually less expensive.

Bring low sodium chicken stock to a boil in a pot.

Add salt to the boiling stock.

Add macaroni noodles and boil according to package instructions (9 to 11 minutes).

Strain the macaroni and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Add all-purpose seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to the noodles.

Gradually add shredded pepper jack, mozzarella, mild cheddar, and smoked gouda cheese to the noodles, folding in until melted.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing Japanese mayo, garlic paste, sriracha, ketchup, and Tony's Creole seasoning in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat 3 eggs with a splash of heavy cream or half and half.

In another bowl, add 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and season it with all-purpose seasoning.

In a third bowl, add 1.5 cups of Italian breadcrumbs and season them as well.

Scoop out portions of the chilled mac and cheese mixture, form into balls, and roll in the seasoned flour.

Dip the balls into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Heat 2 liters of peanut oil or canola oil in a fryer to 350-365°F, using a digital food thermometer to check the temperature.

Carefully add the mac and cheese bites to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, moving them around for even cooking.

Remove the bites and let them drain on a wire rack.

Plate the mac and cheese bites with the dipping sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens