Fried Mac and Cheese turns leftover macaroni and cheese into crispy, cheesy bites perfect for dipping. The mac and cheese is chilled, cut into pieces, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crunchy outside with a creamy, cheesy center.
This is one of my favorite ways to turn leftover mac and cheese into something completely different. Chilling it first makes it easy to cut and bread, and once fried, you get that crispy coating with warm, cheesy mac and cheese inside.
Why I Love Fried Mac and Cheese
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Leftover Mac and Cheese: Cold mac and cheese works best because it’s firmer and easier to shape.
- Velveeta Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps the mac and cheese hold together.
- Eggs & Milk: Create the wet coating that helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Flour: Gives the egg mixture something to grab onto and helps create a sturdy coating.
- Breadcrumbs: Give each piece its crispy, golden exterior.
- Salt & Pepper: Season the breading.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory garlic flavor.
- Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tang that works well with the cheese. Oil: Use a neutral frying oil that can handle high heat.
- Dipping Sauce: Marinara or ranch are both great for serving.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Fried Mac and Cheese
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of leftover mac and cheese with 1 cup of shredded Velveeta cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30-45 minutes until firm.
- Once chilled, cut the mac and cheese into 2-inch triangles. First, slice the mixture into 4-inch squares, then cut each square into quarters diagonally to form triangles.
- Return the triangles to the freezer to keep them firm.
- Prepare the breading stations: In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place flour in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Coat each triangle first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in the seasoned bread crumbs until fully covered.
- Place the breaded triangles back in the freezer while you heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the triangles in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips I Found Helpful
- Start with cold mac and cheese. Chilled leftovers are much easier to shape and bread.
- Don’t skip the freezer. Freezing the pieces for 30–45 minutes helps them stay together while breading and frying.
- Coat them well. Make sure each piece is completely covered with flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Fry in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the oil so the pieces cook evenly and stay crispy. 🧀✨
Frequently Asked Questions
More Appetizers I Love
Yield: 24
Fried Mac and Cheese Recipe
No Ratings
Crispy fried mac and cheese with a creamy, cheesy center.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover mac and cheese
- 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Oil for frying
- Marinara or ranch for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of leftover mac and cheese with 1 cup of shredded Velveeta cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30-45 minutes until firm.
- Once chilled, cut the mac and cheese into 2-inch triangles. First, slice the mixture into 4-inch squares, then cut each square into quarters diagonally to form triangles.
- Return the triangles to the freezer to keep them firm.
- Prepare the breading stations: In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place flour in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Coat each triangle first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in the seasoned bread crumbs until fully covered.
- Place the breaded triangles back in the freezer while you heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the triangles in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Use cold leftover mac and cheese so the pieces hold their shape. Freeze for 30–45 minutes before breading. Coat each piece completely and fry in small batches until golden and crispy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 154Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 384mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g
