Description
Delightfully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a perfect party appetizer or snack option. Made from leftover mac and cheese, coated with toasted panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection without any deep frying, they’re delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Base
- 3 cups mac and cheese (cold)
Breading Station
- 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the panko breadcrumbs in an even layer. Toast them in the oven for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they turn a lovely golden color. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
- Shape Mac and Cheese Balls: Using a #40 cookie scoop or about 1.5 tablespoons, scoop out cold mac and cheese portions. Roll each scoop gently between your hands to form uniform balls ensuring even cooking.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Place the rolled mac and cheese balls into a mini muffin tin or on a sheet pan and freeze for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the balls firm up so they hold their shape during coating and baking.
- Prepare Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and the last with the toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with ½ tsp salt.
- Coat the Bites: Dip each chilled mac and cheese ball first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently with your hands to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Arrange and Prepare for Baking: Place the coated mac and cheese bites on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack to allow airflow and crispness underneath. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve warm with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack. Yields about 24 bites.
Notes
- These mac and cheese bites are an excellent way to transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Crispy panko coating adds delightful texture without deep frying.
- Freezing before coating helps maintain shape and prevents crumbling during baking.
- You can customize the dipping sauce to your liking, such as marinara, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
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: 1.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.25 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
