Black Friday Mac and Cheese Bites: The Ultimate Party Snack
Black Friday is right around the corner, and let's be honest, it's not just about scoring epic deals on electronics and clothes. It's also about gathering with family and friends and indulging in some delicious comfort food. For me, there's nothing quite like whipping up something special that everyone will love while sharing stories and laughter.
One recipe that's perfect for this occasion is my Black Friday Mac and Cheese Bite Recipe. These little bites are cheesy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying, making them the perfect finger food for your post-shopping get-together or cozy family night in.
Article Includes
How to Serve?
You can serve these delightful mac and cheese bites hot with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing. They make for an excellent appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These mac and cheese bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying. Simply prepare them up to the coating step, place them on a baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Black Friday Mac and Cheese Bites
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni elbow pasta works best
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 2 eggs beaten (for coating)
- Cooking oil for frying canola or vegetable oil works well
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Start by boiling the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown. Slowly add the milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan to the sauce. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
- Form the Bites: Once the mac and cheese mixture has cooled, use your hands to form small bite-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare for Frying: Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls. Fill one bowl with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Bites: Roll each mac and cheese ball first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Fry the Bites: Heat your frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a frying pan or deep fryer. Fry the bites in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
