Description
Crispy Fried Cheese Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Crispy Fried Cheese:
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. 2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. 3. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. 4. Add cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring until melted. 5. Mix in cooked macaroni and remove from heat. 6. For the fried cheese, coat mozzarella cubes in flour, dip in beaten egg, and roll in breadcrumbs. 7. Heat oil in a pan and fry cheese cubes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 8. Serve mac & cheese topped with crispy fried cheese, parsley, and Parmesan.
#MacAndCheese #CrispyFriedCheese
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, cook the macaroni to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. For the cheese sauce, ensure the butter and flour (your roux) cook for a full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste before gradually whisking in the cold milk and cream to prevent lumps. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat to add the cheddar, allowing residual heat to melt it smoothly. For the fried cheese, freeze the mozzarella cubes for 15 minutes before breading (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to help them hold shape. Fry in 375°F oil for 60-90 seconds until deeply golden, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent dish is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to cut the richness. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes. For a casual gathering, serve it directly from the skillet. For individual portions, use ramekins, topping each with a few crispy cheese cubes just before serving to maintain their crunch. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta. Make a creamy cheese sauce with a butter-flour roux, milk, cream, and cheddar. Combine. Bread frozen mozzarella cubes (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) and deep-fry until golden. Top the mac and cheese with the crispy fried cheese and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the mac and cheese base, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat it gently with a splash of milk. However, always fry the cheese cubes fresh, just before serving.
What cheese can I use for frying instead of mozzarella? Halloumi or queso para freír are excellent non-melting choices. For a melty center, use very cold mozzarella or bread cheese (juustoleipä).
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from being grainy? Graininess occurs from overheating the cheese. Always remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheddar, letting it melt gently.
Can I bake this dish? Yes. Assemble the mac and cheese in a baking dish, top with the breaded (but unfried) cheese cubes, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is crisp.
What’s the best oil for frying the cheese? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, heated to 375°F for a quick, non-greasy fry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which causes separation and a grainy texture.
- Using warm or room-temperature mozzarella for frying, leading to immediate meltdown in the oil.
- Overcrowding the frying pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, oily breading.
- Underseasoning the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper after the cheese has melted.
- Letting the fried cheese sit on top of hot mac and cheese for too long before serving, which softens the crispy coating.
Conclusion
This Crispy Fried Cheese Mac & Cheese transforms a classic comfort food into a show-stopping dish. The contrast between the creamy, savory pasta and the hot, crunchy cheese bites is truly irresistible. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this impressive recipe. It’s perfect for when you want to indulge or delight guests with a truly memorable meal.