Fried Cheese Bites (Printable Version)

Crunchy outside, cheesy and creamy inside. These golden fried bites of mac and cheese are a must-have for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Mac and Cheese Mixture

01 - 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni, drained
02 - 2 tablespoons of butter
03 - 1 cup of milk
04 - 2 tablespoons of plain flour
05 - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
07 - Add salt and pepper as needed

→ Bread Coating and Frying

08 - 1 1/2 cups of seasoned breadcrumbs
09 - 1 cup of plain flour
10 - 2 large eggs, whisked
11 - Oil for frying

# Steps:

01 - Warm butter in a pot on medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it starts to look lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until it thickens. Add Parmesan and cheddar and stir until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. Mix the sauce with cooked macaroni until it's all covered.
02 - Scoop the mixture into a baking dish and stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours till it's firm.
03 - After it's chilled, grab small portions and roll them between your hands into balls about 1 or 2 inches big.
04 - Dip each ball in flour first, then into the beaten eggs, and finish by rolling in breadcrumbs. Keep going until all the balls are well-covered.
05 - Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry a few balls at a time for 2-3 minutes until they're a crispy, golden color. Let them rest on paper towels to soak up extra oil.
06 - Serve fresh and warm with sauces you like best—like spicy mayo, ranch, or marinara.

# Notes:

01 - Crispy on the outside with gooey cheese in the center—perfect for a party snack.
02 - These bite-sized treats are fun, super cheesy, and totally addictive. Great for entertaining.
03 - Let the mac and cheese firm in the fridge for a couple hours before rolling it into balls.
04 - Cook in smaller batches, so the oil stays hot and they cook evenly.