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Crispy Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

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These Crispy Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites combine crispy bacon with gooey cheddar cheese inside a crunchy exterior, making a perfect savory snack or party treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (about 100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (30g) butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 4 oz (115g) softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and chopped bacon. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  8. Set out 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs in one bowl and 2 beaten eggs in another.
  9. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (25g) of the mac and cheese mixture and shape it into a ball or small patty.
  10. Dip each bite first into the beaten eggs, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or mini muffin pan.
  11. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bites for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside, flipping halfway through baking for even crispness.
  12. Let the bites cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pan-fry the bites for 2-3 minutes per side after baking. Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes if too soft to shape. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Flip bites halfway through baking for even crispness. Can be frozen uncooked and baked from frozen with extra cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, bacon mac and cheese, crispy snack, cheddar cheese bites, party appetizer, comfort food, easy snack

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-bacon-mac-and-cheese-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-gooey-cheddar-snack/