Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe – Crispy Fried or Baked Bread Snacks

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Mac And Cheese Bites Recipe – Crispy Fried Or Baked Bread Snacks

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always have leftover mac and cheese lurking in the fridge. And honestly, while I love a good reheated bowl, sometimes you just want something…different. That’s where these mac and cheese bites come in! They’re seriously the ultimate comfort food upgrade – crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive. I first made these when my kids were begging for something fun after a particularly long school day, and they’ve been a hit ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any mac and cheese bites. They’re quick, easy, and use ingredients you probably already have. Plus, you get to choose your adventure: bake them for a slightly healthier option, or fry them up for that extra-crispy indulgence. Honestly, both ways are amazing! They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden goodies:

• 1 cup cooked leftover mac and cheese
• 5 slices sandwich bread
• ¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (approx. 15g)
• ½ cup water (approx. 120ml)
• Oil, for frying (as needed)
• Maille Dijon Originale mustard, to taste (for dipping!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Mac and Cheese: You can absolutely use store-bought mac and cheese for this – it’s a great way to use up those boxes! But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade mac and cheese takes these bites to the next level.
• Bread: I prefer a soft white bread for these, as it seals really well. But honestly, any sandwich bread will work. Just avoid anything super crusty.
• Mustard: Now, about that Maille Dijon Originale… don’t skip it! The tangy, slightly spicy flavor is perfect with the cheesy goodness. It’s my absolute favorite for dipping, and it really elevates the whole experience.
• Mozzarella: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses here too! A little cheddar or Monterey Jack would be delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, trim the crusts from your bread slices. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten each slice thinly. This helps them seal properly.
2. Cut each flattened slice in half. You should end up with about 10 smaller bread pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until you have a smooth paste. This is your “glue” to seal everything up!
4. Brush the edges of each bread piece with the flour paste.
5. Add a spoonful of mac and cheese to the center of each piece, then sprinkle with a little mozzarella.
6. Fold the bread over to form a little pocket, and press the edges firmly to seal. Make sure there are no gaps!
7. For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bites on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. For Frying: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the bites! Too much mac and cheese will make them hard to seal and they might burst open.
• Press the edges really well. This is the key to preventing leaks during cooking.
• If you’re frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan mac and cheese and vegan butter (or oil) for frying or baking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Spice Level: My friend Sarah loves adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese for a little kick. It’s surprisingly good!
• Party Snack Adaptation: For a crowd, make mini bites using smaller bread pieces. They’re perfect for dipping and snacking.

Serving Suggestions

These are best served immediately while they’re still warm and crispy! A generous dollop of Maille Dijon Originale mustard is a must, in my opinion. But they’re also delicious with ranch dressing, ketchup, or even a little hot sauce.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, these are best eaten fresh. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

1. Can I use different types of cheese in the mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan would all be delicious.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the bites from opening during frying/baking?

Make sure you seal the edges really well with the flour paste, and don’t overfill them.

3. Can these be made ahead of time and frozen?

Yes! Assemble the bites and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake or fry them straight from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. What other dipping sauces would pair well with these bites?

Ranch dressing, ketchup, marinara sauce, or even a spicy mayo would all be great!

5. Can I air fry these mac and cheese bites instead of baking or frying?

Definitely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.