Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Description

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer that perfectly combines comfort and convenience, making them an ideal choice for a family gathering or casual get-together. Their ease of preparation makes them accessible for cooks of all skill levels, requiring simple steps such as cooking pasta, preparing a cheese sauce, and rolling it into bite-sized pieces before frying.

Ingredients

Scale

1. Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni:
  - - 1 cup uncooked

1. Cheddar Cheese:
  - - 1 cup shredded (consider using reduced-fat cheddar or a blend of cheeses)

1. Skim Milk:
  - - 1/2 cup

1. Greek Yogurt:
  - - 1/4 cup (as a substitute for cream or additional cheese to add creaminess)

1. Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs:
  - - 1 cup (for coating, you can also try panko for extra crunch)

1. Eggs:
  - - 2 large (for binding and coating)

1. Olive Oil Spray:
  - - For frying (using a spray will reduce the amount of oil compared to deep frying)

1. Salt and Pepper:
  - - To taste

1. Garlic Powder:
  - - 1/2 teaspoon

1. Paprika:
  - - 1/2 teaspoon

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

1. Add 1 cup of whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente.

1. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the drained macaroni, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of skim milk, and 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt.

1. Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

1. Add salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the cheese sauce. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.

Chill the Mac and Cheese:

1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a shallow dish or baking pan.

1. Let it cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm enough to shape into balls.

Form the Bites:

1. Once chilled, scoop out approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll into a ball, pressing firmly to ensure it holds together. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Prepare the Coating:

1. Beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl.

1. Place 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko in another shallow bowl.

Bread the Bites:

1. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.

1. Roll the egg-coated ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Repeat for each ball.

Fry the Bites:

1. Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and coat the bottom lightly with olive oil spray.

1. Once the pan is hot, add the mac and cheese bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

1. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, turning gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

1. Remove the cooked bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

1. Serve the fried mac and cheese bites warm, with your choice of dipping sauce, if desired.

Enjoy your healthier version of fried mac and cheese bites! They're perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 - 20 minutes