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These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are coated in Doritos so they’re crispy on the outside and creamy inside.  They’re a fabulous party appetizer appetizer, plus a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese!

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites made with a Doritos crust. They're crispy on the outside and creamy inside!

If you’ve ever wanted to transform mac and cheese into a new dish, then look no further! These Mac and Cheese Bites always get rave reviews with their creamy center and crunchy Doritos crust.

They’re absolutely irresistible as a party appetizer with a dipping sauce such as salsa or guacamole. So much better than the usual shake and bake or tater tots!

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

To make it, start by preparing the mac and cheese itself on the stovetop. If you have leftover mac and cheese, you can skip this step.

Spread it out on a baking sheet line with parchment. Then freeze for 2 hours to harden, which will ensure smooth frying later on.

Dipping a fried mac and cheese bite into ketchup

Cut the frozen mac and cheese into bite size pieces and bread them using a combination of flour, egg and Doritos. Lastly, deep fry at 325°F for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Watch Recipe Video

Watch our video tutorial on how to make these fried mac and cheese bites:

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Fried Mac and Cheese - an irresistible bite size appetizer that's perfect for game day
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5 from 4 votes

Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese coated in Doritos and fried to golden perfection. This is the perfect appetizer for a party!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients 

Mac and Cheese

  • 8 ounces elbow pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, hot milk recommended
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Crust

  • 2 cups Doritos, any flavor, crushed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions 

Mac and Cheese

  • Bring water to a boil and cook elbow pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted completely, add the flour and whisk until combined and starting to bubble.
  • Add 1/4 cup of milk to the pan, whisking continuously. The mixture will start to bubble and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, at which point add another 1/4 cup milk. Continue adding milk and whisking until you have used all the milk and the sauce is thickened.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cheese and stir with a spoon to combine. It should have a custard-like consistency. (If too thin, add more cheese.)
  • Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
  • Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the mac and cheese onto the parchment and spread to 1/2-inch thickness using a spatula. Place in the freezer for 2 hours to harden.

Frying

  • Pulverize the Doritos, either using a food processor or by placing in a ziptop bag and pounding with a mallet or rolling pin. They should resemble a coarse powder when done.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and cut the mac and cheese into 2-inch squares or triangles.
  • Add 2 inches of oil to a deep fryer or medium saucepan and preheat to 325°F.
  • Place 3 shallow bowls on a work surface. Place the flour into the first bowl, the beaten egg into the second and the crusted Doritos into the third.
  • Dredge 4-5 pieces in flour, then egg and finally the Doritos before placing in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Repeat for the remaining pieces and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: These are best served right away, but you can make them up to 2 hours ahead of time and store on a wire rack to stay crispy until serving.
Nutrition Facts
Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Serving Size
 
3 pieces
Amount per Serving
Calories
351
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
77
mg
26
%
Sodium
 
235
mg
10
%
Potassium
 
185
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
46
g
15
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Net Carbs
 
44
g
88
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
303
IU
6
%
Calcium
 
166
mg
17
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Please read our nutrition disclaimer.

Author: Cindy
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fried mac and cheese
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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites with a Doritos crust - crispy on the outside and creamy inside. The perfect party appetizer! #friedmacandcheese #macandcheese