🧀 Fried Mac & Cheese Bites with Jalapeño Ranch Dip
Creamy mac and cheese rolled into bite-sized balls, breaded and deep-fried until golden and crunchy — served with a cool, spicy jalapeño ranch dip. It’s melty, crispy, cheesy heaven in every bite.
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Ingredients (makes ~20 bites):
For the mac & cheese: • 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tbsp flour • ¾ cup milk • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt & pepper
For breading & frying: • ½ cup flour • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • Oil for frying
For the jalapeño ranch dip: • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt • ¼ cup mayo • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 small jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat) • 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill • Salt & pepper to taste
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Instructions: 1. Make the mac & cheese: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper. Fold in pasta. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour until firm. 2. Form & bread: Scoop chilled mac and cheese into balls. Roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko. 3. Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. 4. Make the dip: Mix all dip ingredients until smooth. Chill before serving.
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