Fried Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe (Cheesecake Factory)
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining gooey pasta with crunchy breading into one poppable bite!
Ingredients
- 6 cups prepared mac and cheese cold
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
- marinara sauce for serving
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: shredded parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Using clean hands, roll the prepared mac and cheese into large 2-inch balls. Place the mac and cheese balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet with the mac and cheese balls in the freezer for 1 hour to allow them to set and firm up.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- In another shallow dish, add the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer. If needed, reshape them into balls.
- Dredge each mac and cheese ball into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Press the coated mac and cheese ball into the panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure it is fully covered. Repeat this process for all the mac and cheese balls.
- Once breaded, place the mac and cheese balls back onto the baking sheet and return them to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes. This helps the coating set and adhere better during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 360°F (182°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Move them around frequently while frying to ensure even cooking.
- Once fried, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the mac and cheese balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Serve the mac and cheese balls hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Make sure the prepared mac and cheese is cold before rolling it into balls. This helps it hold its shape better during frying.
Freezing the mac and cheese balls at various stages (setting and after breading) helps them retain their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
Use a candy thermometer or deep fryer thermometer to ensure the oil reaches and maintains the correct temperature of 360°F (182°C) for frying.
Feel free to customize the seasoning in the flour mixture and experiment with different types of breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
Serve the mac and cheese balls immediately after frying while they are still hot and crispy for the best eating experience.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 368cal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 859mg | Sugar: 0.4g | Fiber: 0.4g | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg