Description
These Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a deliciously crispy and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties or using up leftover mac and cheese. Coated with toasted panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden, they offer a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying, making them a lighter yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Bites
- 3 cups mac and cheese (cold)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (whisked)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (toasted)
- ½ tsp salt
Dipping Sauce
- Ranch dressing (or your favorite dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast them in the oven for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Form Mac and Cheese Balls: Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the cold mac and cheese. Roll each portion into a uniform ball with your hands to ensure even cooking.
- Freeze Balls: Arrange the rolled mac and cheese balls on a mini muffin tin or a sheet pan and freeze them for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the bites firm up for easier coating.
- Prepare Dredging Station: Set up three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the toasted breadcrumbs mixed with salt.
- Coat Mac and Cheese Bites: Dip each chilled mac and cheese ball first into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally into the toasted breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the bites to ensure they stick well.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated bites on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Repeat the coating process for all mac and cheese balls. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning during baking.
- Bake: Bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- These bites are a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or game days.
- Using toasted panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Freezing the balls before coating helps maintain their shape while baking.
- No deep frying required, making for a lighter, less messy snack.
- Feel free to substitute ranch with any dipping sauce you love.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mac and cheese bite
- Calories: 102 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.25 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
