Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (preferably al dente)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Optional: cooked bacon bits or chopped chives for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, cream cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to form into bites.
- Once cooled, portion out about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls or flatten into small patties.
- Set up your breading station: Place beaten eggs in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another.
- Dip each mac and cheese portion into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For an extra crispy finish, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 for even crunchiness.
Notes
- Chill the mixture before forming to prevent the bites from falling apart during breading and cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier exterior.
- These bites can be baked or air fried for a healthier, crispy result.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approximate 2 tablespoons of mixture)
- Calories: 200 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg