Description
These Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a deliciously crispy appetizer featuring creamy cold mac and cheese coated in toasted panko breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection without any frying, they make a perfect party snack or a fun way to use leftovers with a satisfying crunch on the outside and cheesy softness inside, served best with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups mac and cheese (cold)
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (whisked)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (toasted)
- ½ tsp salt
Serving
- Ranch dressing (or your favorite dipping sauce!)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare for baking.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the panko breadcrumbs flat and toast them in the oven for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through until they turn golden. Remove and let cool on the sheet.
- Form Mac and Cheese Balls: Using a #40 cookie scoop or a 1.5-tablespoon scoop, portion out the cold mac and cheese. Roll each portion into a uniform ball to ensure even cooking.
- Freeze Balls: Place the formed balls in a mini muffin tin or on a sheet pan and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up and make them easier to coat.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: 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 the Balls: Dip each chilled mac and cheese ball first into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the toasted breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them stick well.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated balls on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. This allows heat circulation and even crisping. Spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- These mac and cheese bites are an excellent way to turn leftover mac and cheese into crispy, bite-sized appetizers without deep-frying.
- Using toasted panko breadcrumbs ensures a crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
- Freezing the balls before coating and baking helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces beyond ranch for varied flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mac and cheese bite
- Calories: 102 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.25 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
