When I home-make mac n cheese, it’s always a big pot that makes for lots of yummy leftovers. Inspired by my success with using leftover risotto to make arancini, I decided a similar thing could be done to make fried mac n cheese bites. I had made such a big pot of mac n cheese that I even ended up with leftovers of these mac n cheese bites, which was fortuitous because I discovered that I could freeze the fried bites and reheat them by microwaving for 1 minute and then air-frying at 400 degrees F for 3-4 minutes. Now I try to keep some available in the freezer so I can just pop a few out when I need a quick snack.
Guessipe
- leftover mac n cheese
- egg, beaten
- seasoned panko (I used garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper)
- vegetable oil
Use a spring-loaded ice cream scoop to make balls with the mac n cheese. Freeze for 30 minutes.
Coat each ball in egg, then panko.
Over medium heat, heat enough oil to half submerge the mac n cheese balls. Fry until the bottom half of the ball is golden brown, then flip over and fry until the other half is golden.
Remove fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate.
