Three Cheese Elbow Bites

Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, Three Cheese Elbow Bites are the ultimate appetizer or snack to satisfy any comfort food craving! These bite-sized delights start with tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy trifecta of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, bound together with a velvety homemade cheese sauce. Once chilled and shaped into perfect balls, they’re coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to crispy perfection. Ideal for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking, these gooey-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside bites are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat! Perfect keywords: three cheese bites, mac and cheese appetizers, crispy fried snacks, cheesy party recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 225 grams Elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 360 milliliters Whole milk
• 150 grams Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 75 grams Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 150 grams Plain breadcrumbs
• 500 milliliters Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

Step 4

Lower the heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, then combine it with the cooked macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta.

Step 6

Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Press down with a spatula to flatten, then refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

Step 7

Once firm, use a small scoop or your hands to shape the mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

Step 9

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Repeat with all the balls.

Step 10

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the bites in small batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (2-3 minutes per batch).

Step 11

Remove the elbow bites with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 12

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1689.1 grams (1689.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7677

Total Fat 647.20g	830%
Saturated Fat 152.40g	762%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.50g
Cholesterol 785mg	262%
Sodium 5072mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 324.30g	118%
Dietary Fiber 15.50g	55%
Total Sugars 38.40g
Protein 153.20g	306%

Vitamin D 284IU	1421%
Calcium 2950mg	227%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 1249mg	27%

*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: 75.3%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 16.8%