Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Oh wow, have you ever had mac and cheese so crispy, so cheesy, that you could eat it with your hands? These macaroni and cheese bites are little golden nuggets of comfort food. Perfect for snacking, parties, or just because—trust me, they disappear fast!

I mean, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Now imagine it bite-sized, crunchy on the outside, and gooey on the inside. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds.

They’re crazy easy to make. You just mix, roll, coat, and fry—or bake if you like! And oh boy, when you take that first bite… pure happiness.

So, let’s do this! Grab some mac and cheese, and I’ll show you how to turn it into the best little bites ever. Get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside – The perfect contrast of textures makes these bites irresistible.
• Great for Parties – A crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to serve and eat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped in advance and fried or baked when ready.
• Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters love these crispy cheese bites.
• Customizable – Experiment with different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like bacon or jalapeños.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes about 20-24 bites, perfect for sharing.

Difficulty

Easy enough for beginners but rewarding for experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these delicious mac and cheese bites, you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan – For making the cheese sauce.
• Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Mixing bowls – To combine ingredients and coat the bites.
• Baking sheet – Needed for chilling the mac and cheese mixture.
• Sharp knife or cookie scoop – For portioning the bites evenly.
• Shallow bowls – For dredging the bites in breadcrumbs.
• Deep fryer or large skillet – If frying the bites.
• Oven & baking sheet – If baking instead of frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy bites (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Salted Butter – Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Gives a subtle savory depth.
• White Ground Pepper – Adds mild heat without overpowering the cheese.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
• Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and smooth texture.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – The main cheese, bringing bold flavor.
• Shredded White Cheddar Cheese – Adds another layer of cheesy richness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, crunchy coating.
• Macaroni Noodles – The base of these bites, cooked and drained before use.

How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Bites (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually around 7–8 minutes).
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Add the garlic powder, white pepper, and salt.
5. Continue stirring for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheeses.
7. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly.
3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to cling to the pasta.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking sheet or shallow dish.
2. Spread it evenly and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. This step helps the bites hold their shape.

Step 5: Shape the Bites

1. Once the mac and cheese mixture is firm and chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
2. Using a sharp knife or cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls or squares.
3. Place the shaped bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Return to the refrigerator while preparing the coating. This helps maintain their shape when frying or baking.

Step 6: Coat the Mac and Cheese Bites

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (whisk 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water).
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
2. Take each mac and cheese bite and roll it first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated bites back onto the baking sheet.
4. Once all bites are coated, refrigerate again for 15 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 7: Cook the Mac and Cheese Bites

Option 1: Deep Frying (Crispiest Results)

1. Heat oil (vegetable or canola) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place a few bites into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Option 2: Baking (Healthier Alternative)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter for extra crispiness.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Option 3: Air Frying (Crispy & Less Oil)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the bites in a single layer, leaving space between each.
4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy

Step 5: Shape the Bites

1. Once the mac and cheese mixture is firm and chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
2. Using a sharp knife or cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls or squares.
3. Place the shaped bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Return to the refrigerator while preparing the coating. This helps maintain their shape when frying or baking.

Step 6: Coat the Mac and Cheese Bites

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (whisk 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water).
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
2. Take each mac and cheese bite and roll it first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated bites back onto the baking sheet.
4. Once all bites are coated, refrigerate again for 15 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 7: Cook the Mac and Cheese Bites

Option 1: Deep Frying (Crispiest Results)

1. Heat oil (vegetable or canola) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place a few bites into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Option 2: Baking (Healthier Alternative)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter for extra crispiness.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Option 3: Air Frying (Crispy & Less Oil)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the bites in a single layer, leaving space between each.
4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy

Serving and Dipping Sauces

These macaroni and cheese bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor:

• Classic Marinara Sauce – A tangy contrast to the cheesy bites.
• Ranch Dressing – Adds a creamy, herby touch.
• Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy option.
• Spicy Sriracha Mayo – A hint of heat for spice lovers.
• Cheese Sauce – Because you can never have too much cheese!

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Store any leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

To keep them crispy, avoid microwaving. Instead, use:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Skillet: Heat over medium heat with a little oil for 3–4 minutes per side.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the mixture properly – This step helps the bites hold their shape.
• Double-coat for extra crunch – For a thicker, crispier coating, dip them in egg and Panko twice.
• Use sharp cheddar – The stronger the cheese flavor, the better the taste.
• Don’t overcrowd while frying – This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Season the breadcrumbs – Mix in a little garlic powder or smoked paprika for added flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (2 Bites)
Calories	210 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	7g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	290mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Macaroni and Cheese Bites FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and coat the bites, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze them before cooking, then fry or bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but you can mix in gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for variety.

Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! They won’t be as crispy, but brushing them with butter before baking helps.

Conclusion

These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or just to satisfy a cheesy craving, they’ll be a guaranteed hit. Try different cheeses or spice variations to make them your own. Enjoy!