Description
Enjoy these crunchy, gooey mac and cheese bites that make the perfect snack for parties or cozy nights in. Simple to make and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for about two minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Add the egg and mix well until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Form the Bites: Scoop out small portions of the mixture using your hands or a spoon—about two tablespoons each—and roll them into balls or shape them into bite-sized patties.
- Bread and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll each mac and cheese bite in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mac and cheese bites (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - Chill the mixture for easier handling before forming balls. - Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.