These Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites are the perfect little snacks! Imagine creamy mac and cheese mixed with rich, smoky Gouda cheese, all fried to crispy perfection.
They make a fun treat for gatherings or just a cozy night in. I love serving them with a tangy dipping sauce to get that perfect mix of flavors. Enjoy every cheesy bite! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Gouda Cheese: This cheese gives your bites a rich, smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, try using smoked cheddar or even regular Gouda for a milder taste.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can use any small pasta shape, such as shells or fusilli, if you prefer.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give your bites a crispy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice cereal.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with any milk you have on hand, like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just check if they’re unsweetened!
How Do I Get My Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on your Mac and Cheese Bites is key! Here are some tips:
- Coat each bite twice in the panko breadcrumbs. First in eggs, then in the breadcrumbs; repeat for a thicker crust.
- Chill the bites before frying. Letting them sit in the fridge helps maintain their shape and makes them crispier when fried.
- Fry in hot oil (about 350°F). This ensures a quick cooking time for a crunchy shell without soaking up too much oil.
Try to avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Frying in batches keeps the temperature steady, promoting even cooking and that beloved crunch.
Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours for chilling the mac and cheese mixture. After that, it will take an additional 30 minutes for frying the bites, bringing the total to about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including chilling. The great news is most of that time is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns into a blonde roux (that means a light golden color).
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Cheesy Goodness:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and you have a smooth sauce.
4. Combine and Chill:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until all the pasta is well coated. Transfer this cheesy goodness to a shallow dish, cover it up, and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. You want it to be nice and firm for shaping!
5. Form the Bites:
Once the mixture is cold and firm, use a spoon or scooper to create small bite-sized portions (about 1 to 1.5 inches in size). You can roll them gently into balls or ovals—whatever you prefer!
6. Prepare the Breading Station:
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Coat the Bites:
Take each mac and cheese bite and first dip it in the beaten eggs. Then, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. If you want them to be extra crunchy, dip them back into the eggs and then again in the breadcrumbs!
8. Chill Again:
Place the coated bites on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper. Chill them again in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape while frying.
9. Fry the Bites:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in batches, flipping them as needed, until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes for each batch.
10. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and let them drain on paper towels. If you’d like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
11. Dipping Time:
Serve your warm Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Bites with your favorite dipping sauce — a creamy ranch or tangy aioli works perfectly!
Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite! 🧀
Can I Use Different Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked Gouda gives a delicious flavor, you can mix and match cheeses. Try using mozzarella for extra stretchiness or fontina for a creamy texture. Just remember to keep the cheese quantities the same!
Can I Make These Bites Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it doesn’t contain any meat. Just be sure to check your cheese labels to confirm they are rennet-free if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked mac and cheese bites. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they’re solid. They can be fried straight from the freezer; just add a minute to the cooking time!
