Quick and Easy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites : A Family Favorite!

Name: Quick and Easy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups macaroni pasta; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; Oil for frying

Posted on November 23, 2025

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This easy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! You can whip it up all in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, you can switch up the cheese or even toss in some leftover veggies to suit your taste. It’s the perfect “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of odds and ends while satisfying those mac and cheese cravings!

Ingredients Needed for Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these delicious bites:

2 cups macaroni pasta : I stick with elbow macaroni, but whatever you have works!
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese : Sharp or mild, your choice.
1 cup milk : Whole or low-fat, whatever you have on hand.
2 tablespoons butter : Because butter makes everything better!
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour : This helps thicken our cheesy goodness.
1 teaspoon salt : A couple pinches just to enhance the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon pepper : Adjust this based on your preference.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs : For that perfect crunch.
2 eggs : These act as our glue to hold everything together.
Oil for frying : Just enough to get those bites crispy and golden!

all ingredients for fried mac and cheese bites

Ingredient Variations

Cheese: Feel free to mix it up! Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a kick.
Pasta: Any small pasta works, like shells or even small penne. You do you!
Breadcrumbs: Use Panko for an extra crunch or even crushed crackers if you don’t have any on hand.
Add-ins: Tiny bits of cooked broccoli, bacon, or shredded chicken can sneak their way in too!

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Okay, let’s get cooking! You’re going to love how simple this process is.

Cook the macaroni pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually around 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. (And yes, we all know that “al dente” means a little bite is good!)
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the flour, stirring frequently for about a minute until it’s bubbly and a bit golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, this is where it gets fun! Keep stirring until it thickens up, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the cheese: Take it off the heat and mix in the cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is totally gooey and melted seriously, that smell will have you drooling.
Combine: Toss the cooked macaroni in with the cheese sauce and mix it all together until every noodle is coated. I mean, who doesn’t want cheesy goodness?
Cool it down: Let the mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes, or until you can handle it. This is also a good time to put on a good podcast or your favorite playlist!
Shape your bites: Once it’s cool enough, using your hands, form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You want them all to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly!
Bread the bites: Place the eggs in a shallow bowl and beat them with a fork. In another bowl, put the breadcrumbs in. Dip each ball first into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Fry ‘em up: Heat about an inch of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in. Fry the bites in batches, about 4-5 at a time, until they’re golden brown and super crispy; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Drain: Transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Serve warm: Grab your favorite dipping sauce (hello, ranch or marinara) and get ready to enjoy!

My Go-To Recipe for Everything Comfort Food

I’m telling you, this Fried Mac and Cheese Bites recipe is my go-to when the kids are begging for something fun and delicious. There’s just something so inherently comforting about crispy exterior, creamy cheese on the inside. I mean, who can resist it? I’m a real sucker for that gooey middle paired with the crunchy coating. The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand in your fridge for this recipe!

It’s comforting and versatile, just perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. This recipe is like a hug in food form for me, and I know it will become a family favorite for you too!

If you loved this Fried Mac and Cheese Bites, be sure to check out my Sausage Egg Breakfast Roll-Ups, my Creamy Chicken Bites, or my Easy Tennessee Onions!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want something fast but still crave that comforting, homemade feel.

Kid-Friendly

Your kids will love these buttery, cheesy bites! They’ll think they’re getting a fun snack, but you know you’re giving them something with wholesome ingredients. Total win-win, right?

Customizable

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can mix in whatever cheese you have in the fridge or throw in some leftover veggies or meats. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly

With simple ingredients that you likely already have, this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand without making a trip to the store.

Crowd-Pleaser

Oh, this is definitely a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving dinner or having a game night with friends, everyone will be snagging these tasty bites.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve

Serve these Fried Mac and Cheese Bites hot and fresh from the fryer! Pair them with a side of marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect for parties, as a snack, or as a side dish.

Storage

You can store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, I recommend popping them back in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to make them crispy again. A microwave will work in a pinch but may make them a little soggy.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can actually freeze un-fried mac and cheese bites. Just layer them in between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them straight from the freezer, no need to thaw!

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! A delicious and super fun recipe for Fried Mac and Cheese Bites that your whole family will love. Seriously, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! It’s perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. I hope you love making and devouring these bites as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Remember, the magic of cooking lies in improvisation, so don’t hesitate to switch things up!

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