I have come to the realization…that I'm a Southern girl. I say hi to everyone when I'm walking down the street and smile. I like fried cheese and I love butter to pieces. Does all of that make me a Southern girl? I have lived in Florida since I was 7 years old and have considered myself a Florida girl for a longg time. I know some don't consider Florida as part of the south sometimes though. Anyways, Ever since I saw Marc's recipe for Fried Mac & Cheese Balls, I have wanted to make them! And then Brandy and Rachel came up with the idea to celebrate macaroni and cheese in a big way and I had to do it…mmmm fried cheese. That's all I have to say, right?
First off, let's ignore that I didn't use elbow macaroni the first time I made this recipe. It works better with elbows but when I went to make this recipe the first time, I didn't have any.
Second, I used this Stove Top Macaroni & Cheese Recipe from my friends, Todd & Diane. It's a keeper of a recipe…and the way we will make stovetop mac and cheese from now on!
Cook the macaroni in the milk. And as Diane warns, you need to stay close and don't walk away from the pot. The milk cooks down fast.
Add cheese, when I first tried this recipe, I added provolone (not called for in the original recipe). It's great for taste but not great for making fried mac & cheese. Just use cheddar cheese for fried mac and cheese. This is also when you would add bacon if you're using it.
Use a medium cookie scoop and then form into balls…I kind of flattened the tops and bottoms so they would be easier to cook. So instead of mac & cheese balls, they are more bites. Now put the baking sheet in the freezer.
Set up your egg and breadcrumb trays. I love using this set my sister got me for Christmas a couple of years ago. They are easy to clean and are the perfect size for breading chicken for Chicken Parm or for making fried mac & cheese bites!
Dip the bite into the egg/milk mixture. Then place into the breadcrumb tray.
Using a spoon so your hands don't get as messy, cover the bite in breadcrumbs.
Place onto a try and add to the freezer.
I tried this recipe using both vegetable and olive oil. I think I prefer the taste better with olive oil but if you don't have any, you can use vegetable oil.
Another note, I also tried deep frying these little puppies. It works and it tastes great but they are more crunchier and that's great too but you lose some of the creamy cheese texture. So depending on what you prefer you, can deep fry in a large pot with about 4 inches of oil. Bring the oil to 350 degrees F and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes. Otherwise, fry these in a skillet with about 1/4 inch of oil.
Cheesy, creamy and crispy on the outside, these are the perfect appetizer. Trust me! And with bacon…it takes this recipe to another level! You can try it with our without, that's what I did. (When I made it the second time, I didn't use bacon.)
Recipe
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Fried Mac & Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Mac & Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, may need more
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional, omit this to make it vegetarian)
Making Fried Mac & Cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon whole milk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pepper
- olive oil for frying
Instructions
Mac & Cheese
- Rinse raw macaroni pasta in a colander and drain. Place macaroni pasta in a medium pot (about 4 quarts). Add milk, butter, ground mustard, salt and ground nutmeg).
- Turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Be sure to stir frequently, do not leave pot of pasta and milk unattended. The mixture will come to a simmer and possible boil quickly. After it comes to a simmer or boil, turn heat down to low and keep stirring.
- Cook until milk is mostly absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. (Taste macaroni, should be al dente. If not, add more milk about 2 Tablespoons at a time until macaroni is al dente.)
- Add cheese and bacon (if using) and mix thoroughly. Cook on low heat for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Making Fried Mac & Cheese
- Allow mac & cheese to cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for at least an hour or overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator and using a medium cookie scoop (1.5 Tablespoons), scoop out macaroni and cheese and form into flat or ball-shaped pieces. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Beat an egg in a shallow dish and add milk. Mix thoroughly and set aside. In another shallow dish, mix together both breadcrumbs, cheese, salt and dash of pepper.
- Using your left hand, place macaroni & cheese pieces one at a time in the egg-milk mixture and then place into breadcrumb mixture. Using a spoon, drop mixture on top. Place covered mac & cheese pieces back onto baking sheet. While you're getting the oil ready, place baking sheet back in the freezer.
- Add olive oil to nonstick skillet, about 1/4 inch layer to cover. Heat oil for 3 minutes on medium high.
- Lower heat to medium and add macaroni and cheese bites, don't crowd the pan. Cook in two batches if needed. Cook for 2 minutes on first side and flip and cook for another 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Remove and place on paper towel lined plate and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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And for more wonderful mac & cheese gloriousness and prizes even, be sure to visit Rachel and Brandy…and see these amazing recipes below…!!!
- Jalapeno Popper Mac & Cheese by Heather's Dish
- Buffalo Cheddar Mac and Cheese by Eats Well With Others
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese with Gouda by Sarah's Cucina Bella
- Light Sweet Potato Mac ‘n Cheese Recipe by Cookin' Canuck
- Macaroni and Cheese Fritters by Amuse Your Bouche
- Skinny Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole by A Zesty Bite
- Creamy Pancetta, Leek + Pea Macaroni and Cheese by Simply Scratch
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- Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese by Prevention RD
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- Skinny Greek Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Pita Chip Topping by The Law Student's Wife
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- Mushroom and Truffle Sea Salt White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese by Big Bear's Wife
- Roasted Poblano and Goat Cheese Mac by Daisy at Home
- Creamy Cauliflower ‘n Cheese with Bacon by Barefeet in the Kitchen
- Wisconsin Cheese, Brats, and Onion Macaroni and Cheese by a farmgirl's dabbles
- Spinach Queso Mac & Cheese by Bake Your Day
- Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese with a Pancetta Parmesan Crust by Mountain Mama Cooks
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- Healthier Macaroni and Cheese by Texanerin Baking
- Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese by CafeTerraBlog
- Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Peppers by Cook the Story
- Jack Daniels Mac and Cheese by The Slow Roasted Italian
- Lobster Mac and Cheese by FoodieCrush
- Green Chili 5-cheese Baked Mac and Cheese by A Southern Fairytale
- Homemade Elbow Noodle Tutorial + a Recipe for Roasted Veggie Mac by Bakeaholic Mama
- Salsa Verde Mac-n-Cheese (two ways) by Eat2Gather
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping by The Lemon Bowl
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Vanessa says
This is the best Mac and cheese recipe. EVER. Always my go to, super easy, and it always comes out perfect. And the fried mac and cheese balls are perfect for leftovers. If their are any! Haha! My husband and son can’t get enough of it!
Tina says
These look yummy and easy! Going to give this a try ….
athena says
I’m wondering if these would work if you baked them rather than fry them? I’d like to make some and freeze them but prefer not to fry them. Have you tried it?
Caroline says
LOVE macaroni & LOVE this recipe. May I have permission to repost one of your photos (with credit/link) in one of my articles for Spoon University?
Christine from Cook the Story says
Could these little gems be addictive? OH YES, they could! Pinned and shared 🙂
ATasteOfMadness says
How am I not making these right now? This looks too good!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Yum!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
The longer I stare at these photo, the more likely I am to get out of bed and go make this right now. OH MY GAWD! Amazing.
Rachel Cooks says
EVERYTHING is right about this. Can’t wait to make these. Thanks so much for helping us kick off mac and cheese mania!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
Oh dear lord-y me. Julie these are bonkers! Love LOVE them!
Kim Beaulieu says
Seriously Julie, this is so amazing. I can’t wait to try this. My kids and their friends will go crazy for this recipe. Creative and fun, totally love this one.
Sarah @ Sarah Cooks the Books says
Will have to bring these to the next office potluck! I’m a Southern girl (from North Carolina) living in California!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Oh my goooood, I guess great minds think alike with the fried macaroni cheese! These look insanely good!!!
Jenny @ BAKE says
I didn’t think that mac and cheese could get any better! this looks amazing!
diane and todd says
wow, these look fantastic Julie! and this whole post is definitely a keeper with all the great mac and cheese recipes.
Aggie says
Holy Mac n cheese balls!! I could eat a few of these 😉 awesome Julie!!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Oh my gosh I have never thought to cook the pasta in the milk!! Diane is a genius!! And so are you. 🙂
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
oh my gawd!!! must try this asap!!! yum!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
One of our favorite local restaurants makes amazing fried mac and cheese bites! Can’t wait to try this!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These bites look like the ultimate crowd pleaser!
Joanne says
the way I see it is that the only thing better than cheese is fried cheese…so logic demands that the only thing better than mac and cheese is fried mac and cheese!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
WHOA. This is genius, Julie!!! I am so making this asap.
Christine (Cook the Story) says
Wow, Julie! These look and sound amazing. Interesting that panfrying gives more creaminess. I wouldn’t have guessed that. Must try!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
These are just so perfect! Love the bite sized cheesy goodness!
bev @ bevcooks says
SO SO SO in.
In.
Cassie says
These are cheesy perfection, Julie. Love it!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
This is such a fun idea, Julie! I am going to have to try this!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I think anyone that makes and LOVES fried mac and cheese is indeed a Southern girl! I have always loved this and never taken the time to make it! Looks so easy though!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
Oh my goodness. I want to sink my teeth into a few of these…they look awesome!!! (I’m thinking I might just be a southern gal, too…ha!!)
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I’ve seriously always wanted to fry mac n cheese. I’m so glad you did! It looks amazing 🙂
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
How delicious! I love this idea. Take these to a potluck they’d scarfed up in 2 seconds.
Andrea Y says
This recipe spells COMFORT food.
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
Cheesy goodness and with bacon, oh my!
Amy @Very Culinary says
I got a deep fryer for Christmas. Totally breaking it out this weekend for these!
Tieghan says
I am not southern in anyway, BUT I too love southern food. Especially fried cheese and butter! 🙂 Amazed!
Terri C says
You might have just ruined my diet! Yum yum yum! 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food says
Holy mac and cheese recipes! This looks amazing. Cheesy and fried. Count me in!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
ooooooooooooooooooh these are soooo not good for my pre-wedding figure…
but oh so good for the soul!
…and the belly
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
Oh many what a decadent idea!! If you are going to have mac and cheese, may as well fry it. I think I was born to be a southern girl too- I also love butter and talking to strangers. Don’t tell my parents in Connecticut!