Mac-n-Cheese Deep Fried Bites! A New Take On Soul Food

Am I the only American kid that didn’t grow up eating mac-n-cheese? Actually, as a kid, I hated the stuff and politely refused invitations to eat where mac-n-cheese was being served. To be fair, I didn’t like baked potatoes, vegetables or anything that wasn’t eaten off a bone and sitting on a giant bed of white rice. It’s a Cuban thing, I guess. Anyway, Daddy D loves mac-n-cheese, so do my kids, and all kinds of Soul Food. So when Walmart asked me to share a recipe for Labor Day, Daddy D and I developed this Mac-n-Cheese Deep Fried Bites as kind of a new take on the old soul food staple.

It’s a time consuming recipe, but for a special occasion or pot luck party, it’s a show stopper! To cut down on time, I used a high quality boxed mac-n-cheese using shells. We love Annies Organic Macaroni and Cheese varieties that you can get in store or online at Walmart. With a few added seasonings, the boxed stuff tastes more like homemade. Use homemade if you’ve got the time or favorite recipe too!

Mac-n-Cheese Deep Fried Bites Recipe

1 box of your favorite mac-n-cheese, cooked according to package direction (or homemade)

Organic Garlic powder from Wild Oats

Italian seasonings (I used my homemade Italian seasoning blend recipe)

Breadcrumbs (I like these salt-free breadcrumbs at Walmart.com)

2 eggs, for egg wash

Mac n Cheese Bites Instructions

Once your mac-n-cheese is cooked, allow it to cool completely. You may to leave it in the fridge for a couple hours before starting to handle it. Prepare your space to assemble the bites. Arrange a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to breadcrumbs and mix to combine. Set aside.

Scoop out a tablespoon of the mac-n-cheese and place in breadcrumbs, making sure the individual macaronis are coated. Scoop out the pasta and, pressing somewhat firmly, form into a ball shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but do squish the pasta until the pieces feel joined. Place the bite on lined cookie sheet. Continue to assemble bites until all the pasta has been used.

Freeze for at least two hours, or even overnight. Don’t skip this step!

Take your mac-n-cheese bites out of the freeze and dredge through your egg wash (beat together the two eggs with about 2 tablespoons of water) and coat the ball with a second layer of bread crumbs. This will create a super crunchy coating and is a similar process to how Cuban croquetas are made.

Place the bites in a prepared deep fryer until golden brown and cooked through center, but not falling apart. Definitely keep a careful watch! Allow to cool slightly and enjoy immediately with a side of marinara or pizza sauce. We like Barilla’s Marinara with Olive Oil.

Even I enjoyed these Mac-n-Cheese Bites! It was a great finger-friendly snack that everyone loved. The additional seasonings also elevated the taste from regular kid meal, to a more sophisticated snack. But, who am I kidding, what’s not to love about anything deep fried?

Check out more Labor Day recipes and decor ideas from the other Walmart Moms…

• Lemony Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
• How To Plan An Easy Labor Day Picnic
• Salami Chopped Salad
• Frozen Berry Lemonade
• Jack Daniel’s Smoked and Grilled Burgers
• Mac-N-Cheese Deep Fried Bites
• Creamy Chicken Artichoke Casserole
• DIY Patriotic Frames
• Red, White and Blue Burlap Bandana Wreath