These Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! They’re the perfect mix of cheesy comfort and easy snacking, all in a bite-sized form.
Who can resist a crispy outside with a gooey, cheesy center? I love serving these at parties or movie nights. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast—like magic! 🪄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta works great for mac and cheese bites. You can swap it out with shells or cavatappi for a fun twist!
Smoked Gouda Cheese: This cheese gives a rich, smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, try using a mix of regular Gouda and a bit of liquid smoke or smoked cheddar for something similar.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the sharpness it adds. You can substitute it with mild cheddar if you prefer a milder taste, or even a pepper jack for a kick.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs can work, but won’t be as crispy.
Cooking Oil: Vegetable or canola oil is good for frying. If you want a healthier option, you could try air frying these bites with a bit of oil spray!
How Do I Make Sure My Mac and Cheese Bites Don’t Fall Apart?
The key to keeping your mac and cheese bites intact is in the chilling process. After mixing the cheese sauce with the macaroni, let it cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape and fry without falling apart.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. This helps create a crust quickly, locking in the cheesy goodness.
- Be gentle when breading. Coat them well but avoid pressing too hard.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can cool the oil and lead to sogginess.
With these tips and substitutions, you’ll have delicious, crunchy, and gooey Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites every time! Enjoy snacking! 😊
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Dredging and Frying:
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Dipping sauce of choice (ranch or spicy mayo works well)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 2 hours to chill the mac and cheese mix. Once they’re fried, you’ll have these tasty bites ready to enjoy in just a few minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly browned and forms a roux. Now, slowly pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook this mixture until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the Cheeses:
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Mix with Pasta and Chill:
Gently combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, ensuring it’s well coated. Transfer this cheesy goodness to a shallow dish, cover, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to shape into bites.
5. Shape the Bites:
After chilling, take the mac and cheese mixture out of the fridge. Use a spoon or your hands to shape it into bite-sized oval or round pieces. Keep them about 1-2 inches in size for easy frying.
6. Prepare for Frying:
Set up a breading station by placing three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each mac and cheese bite in flour first, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs.
7. Fry Until Golden:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
For a finishing touch, garnish your bites with chopped parsley if desired. Serve them warm alongside your choice of dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites—an irresistible snack that everyone will love! 🧀✨
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While smoked Gouda adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with regular Gouda or even a blend of other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Just keep the cheese amounts roughly the same for best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture and shape the bites in advance. Just chill them as directed, and you can bread and fry them whenever you’re ready! They can also be frozen for up to a month before frying; just thaw and then fry as normal.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free pasta for the recipe to keep it fully gluten-free!
