Mac Cheese Bacon Bites
Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, these Mac Cheese Bacon Bites are the ultimate comfort food snack with a gourmet twist. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a creamy cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce, studded with smoky bits of bacon, and rolled into bite-sized morsels. Each ball is coated in golden panko breadcrumbs, then fried to crunchy perfection. Offering a delightful combination of textures—crunchy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside—these handheld treats are ideal for parties, game days, or anytime cravings strike. Easy to make and boasting bold flavors, these bacon-studded mac and cheese bites will leave your guests begging for more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Cooked bacon, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Fold the cooked macaroni and chopped bacon into the cheese sauce until well combined. Let the mixture cool slightly before proceeding.
Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Add the whisked eggs to the mac and cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Use your hands to form small, bite-sized balls from the mac and cheese mixture. Set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop the mac and cheese balls into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy Mac Cheese Bacon Bites!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6308 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 605.2 g | 776% | |
| Saturated Fat | 131.6 g | 658% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 554 mg | 185% | |
| Sodium | 4734 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 146.2 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 117.4 g | 235% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1400 mg | 108% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1131 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
