Game Day Fried Mac Cheese (Printable)
Crunchy golden bites filled with creamy mac and cheese, great for gatherings and snacking.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Cheese Base
01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 2 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 - 1 oz cream cheese
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
→ Breading Station
11 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 3 large eggs
13 - 2 tbsp milk
14 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 - 1/2 tsp paprika
17 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Frying
18 - Vegetable oil for frying
# How-To:
01 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
03 - Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
04 - Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and fold gently until evenly coated. Spread mixture into a parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking dish.
05 - Let mac and cheese cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
06 - Cut chilled mac and cheese into 24 equal squares or use a small ice cream scoop to form balls.
07 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs with milk in the second, and panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in the third.
08 - Dredge each mac and cheese piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere.
09 - Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F. Fry bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10 - Arrange fried bites on a serving platter and serve immediately while hot and crispy with your choice of dipping sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That irresistible contrast between the ultra-creamy interior and shatteringly crisp exterior will make these the first thing gone from any party spread
- They reheat surprisingly well in the oven, so you can make them ahead and still serve them hot and crispy when guests arrive
02 -
- Rushing the chilling step is the number one reason these fall apart during frying, so plan ahead or use the freezer trick
- Crowding the pot drops the oil temperature dramatically, leading to greasy bites instead of crispy ones
03 -
- Freeze the mac and cheese for 30 minutes if you are short on time, though the texture is best after an overnight chill
- Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform bites that cook evenly