Introduction:
Elevate your snack game with BBQ Pulled Beef Fried Mac and Cheese Bites! These mouthwatering morsels combine creamy mac and cheese with succulent BBQ pulled beef, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown coating. Perfect for game days, parties, or a unique twist on comfort food, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful fusion: A delectable mix of rich mac and cheese and smoky BBQ pulled beef.
- Party perfect: Bite-sized and easy to serve, making them ideal for gatherings.
- Crunchy and satisfying: Coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust for extra texture.
- Make-ahead: Can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ pulled beef (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- BBQ sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked mac and cheese with the BBQ pulled beef. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the Bites:
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, shape the mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bread the Bites:
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge each mac and cheese ball in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the panko mixture. Return to the baking sheet.
- Fry the Bites:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the BBQ pulled beef mac and cheese bites hot, with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Mac and Cheese: Ensure the mac and cheese is well chilled before forming into balls to help them hold their shape better.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature to ensure the bites cook evenly and become crispy.
- Double Coating: For extra crunch, consider double coating the bites by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs mixture twice.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pulled beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese mixture for added heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends in the mac and cheese for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.
- Side Dish: Pair with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the uncooked mac and cheese bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, or microwave individual bites.
Special Equipment:
- Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying the mac and cheese bites.
- Baking Sheet: For forming and freezing the bites.
FAQ:
- Can I use homemade mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Homemade mac and cheese works great and allows for customization of flavors and cheese types. - Can I bake these bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until crispy and golden, though they may not be as crispy as fried. - Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them. Fry or bake them directly from the freezer when ready to serve.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for preparing and breading the mac and cheese bites.
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes for frying (including multiple batches).
Total Time:
- 30 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
BBQ Pulled Beef Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ pulled beef (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- BBQ sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked mac and cheese with the BBQ pulled beef. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the Bites:
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, shape the mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bread the Bites:
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge each mac and cheese ball in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the panko mixture. Return to the baking sheet.
- Fry the Bites:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the BBQ pulled beef mac and cheese bites hot, with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 11g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried making these BBQ Pulled Beef Fried Mac and Cheese Bites? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your creations in the comments below and tag us on social media with your delicious bites. Stay tuned for more fun and flavorful recipes!
