Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bites

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate comfort food appetizer with a crowd-pleasing twist. Made with tender gluten-free elbow macaroni coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and parmesan, these bites are seasoned to perfection with hints of garlic, paprika, and black pepper. Each cheesy ball is rolled in gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating and fried to golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings, these bite-sized treats are quick to whip up and irresistibly indulgent. Bonus: Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons Gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 Eggs
• 2 cups Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons Chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the gluten-free flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.

Step 3

Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the macaroni is thoroughly coated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 7

Once cooled, form the mac and cheese mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 8

In a small bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. In another bowl, place the gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Step 9

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 10

In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 11

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried mac and cheese bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 12

Optional: Garnish with chopped chives before serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1865 grams (1865.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7585

Total Fat 627.20g	804%
Saturated Fat 152.70g	764%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 795mg	265%
Sodium 5626mg	245%
Total Carbohydrate 407.00g	148%
Dietary Fiber 13.70g	49%
Total Sugars 33.80g
Protein 134.10g	268%

Vitamin D 351IU	1757%
Calcium 2909mg	224%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 1450mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.3%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 20.8%