🧀 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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