Bites of cheesy goodness are among the best snacks I can think of, and adding a bacon twist takes them to the next level. These mac and cheese bites are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the entire process, so you can enjoy these delicious treats in no time!
Bacon Twisted Mac and Cheese Bites
Creamy macaroni and cheese combined with crispy bacon, breaded and fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Servings: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a shallow dish and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Once firm, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated mac and cheese bites into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Transfer the fried bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 calories
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 6g
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Facebook PinterestFirst, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (I usually go for elbow macaroni)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend is my favorite)
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Now that we have everything, let’s get started on the cheesy filling. Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and allow it to cook for about a minute. Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken. At this point, I add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Next, I stir in the cheese until it’s fully melted, creating a creamy cheese sauce. This is the moment I fold in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon, blending everything until well combined. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before moving to the next step.
Once the filling is cool enough to handle, I use a cookie scoop or my hands to form small balls or bites with the mixture. Each bite should be about one to two inches in size. After shaping the bites, I roll them in breadcrumbs to create that lovely, crispy exterior.
Now it’s frying time! I heat oil in a pan to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). To know if the oil is ready, I drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, I’m good to go! I carefully place the mac and cheese bites into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Once they’re done frying, I transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. After letting them cool for a few minutes, these mac and cheese bites with bacon are ready to be devoured!
Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or marinara. I assure you, these bites will be a hit with everyone around you. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy, and flavorful delight of your homemade mac and cheese bites with a bacon twist!
