Go Back
Delicious cheese balls served with creamy dip, fresh herbs, and colorful seasonings on a modern table.
Tina

Mac and Cheese Bites

These Mac and Cheese Bites take the creamy, cheesy comfort of traditional mac and cheese and turn it into crispy, handheld bites that are easy to make and full of flavor. The exterior is golden and crunchy, while the inside stays gooey and cheesy, creating a satisfying texture contrast. The recipe is simple, uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and pairs perfectly with a yogurt-mustard dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked (100 g)
  • 1 tablespoon butter 14 g
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 8 g
  • ¾ cup milk 180 ml, warm
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese 113 g, shredded sharp
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading and Frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 125 g
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs panko preferred (90 g)
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Chopped parsley optional for garnish
For the Sauce
  • 150 g Greek yogurt about ⅔ cup
  • 1 tablespoon French mustard 15 g
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil 5 ml
  • Chopped cilantro to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully combined. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape.
  6. Scoop the chilled mixture and roll into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls.
  7. Coat each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs.
  8. Then, roll in breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  10. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm with the dipping sauce.