Deep-Fried Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 05/27/20
Macaroni and cheese croquettes with Sriracha mayo
Diana Rattray
  • Total: 20 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Servings: 6 servings

These macaroni and cheese bites are incredibly delicious, and they are an excellent way to use leftover mac and cheese. The deep-fried fritters are an addictive snack, so be sure you make enough to go around! 

Serve the mac and cheese bites as a snack with a ​spicy sriracha mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or a honey mustard dip.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups oil for frying (or up to fill line on deep fryer)
  • 2 cups macaroni and cheese (cold, leftover )
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (approximate)

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat the oil in a deep, heavy saucepan to about 360 F, or until a cube of bread browns in about 30 seconds.

  2. Shape the cold macaroni and cheese into small balls.

  3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs lightly with 2 tablespoons of milk.

  4. Dip the mac and cheese balls in bread crumbs, then into the beaten eggs, then in crumbs again.

  5. Drop carefully into hot fat and cook, turning, until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.

  6. Remove to paper towels to drain; keep warm while making subsequent batches.

Variations and Tips

  • To keep batches warm while making more, place the drained fritters on a rack in a baking pan and place it in a 200 F oven.

  • Add some crumbled bacon, jalapeno peppers, diced pimientos, or cooked vegetables to the mac and cheese mixture before breading. 

  • Put a small chunk of ham or cheese in the center of each croquette before breading.

  • Add a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.