Game Day Fried Mac Cheese (Printable Version)
Golden, crispy bites with creamy mac and cheese filling, ideal for sharing during game day events.
# 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 - Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions 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. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and bubbles.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
05 - Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce until evenly coated. Spread mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
06 - Remove chilled mac and cheese from refrigerator. Cut into 24 equal squares or use a small ice cream scoop to form balls.
07 - Prepare 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 - Coat each bite in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then press firmly into panko mixture to ensure even coating.
09 - Heat 2 inches vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Fry bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
10 - Arrange hot fried bites on serving platter. Accompany with ranch, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli for dipping.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The contrast between the creamy, cheesy interior and shatteringly crisp exterior is pure magic
- These can be prepped ahead and fried just before serving, making you look like a hosting genius
02 -
- The chilling step is not optional, warm mac and cheese will fall apart in the hot oil
- Do not overcrowd the pot or the oil temperature will drop and youll end up with greasy bites
03 -
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese before chilling for extra flavor dimensions
- A small cookie scoop creates perfectly uniform balls that cook at the same rate