A Cheesy, Spicy, And Crispy Bite-Sized Snack With Creamy Mac And Cheese And Spicy Jalapeños, All Rolled Into One Delicious Popper – Perfect For Parties, Snacks, Or As A Fun Appetizer!
These Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites are a total game-changer! I decided to make them because I love combining two of my favorite comfort foods – mac and cheese and jalapeño poppers – into one delicious, bite-sized treat.
The creamy mac and cheese is spiced up with fresh jalapeños, then rolled into crispy, golden bites. My family loves them because they’re the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy, all wrapped up in a crispy coating. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or even a side dish, these mac and cheese bites always disappear fast!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the mac and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just form the bites, coat them, and bake or fry them.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar and cream cheese are classic choices, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor. The cream cheese is key to keeping the mac and cheese creamy, though.
Q: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
A: Make sure to chill the mac and cheese bites for at least 30 minutes before breading them. This helps the coating stick better and prevents the filling from spilling out while frying or baking.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded mac and cheese bites on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! If you want to add extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mac and cheese mix.
What You Need to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites
For the Mac & Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat, or keep seeds for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For Frying (optional):
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites
1. Prepare the mac and cheese mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in the chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix until well combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Chill the mixture:
Once the mac and cheese mixture is cool enough to handle, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to form into bites.
3. Form the bites:
Once the mac and cheese mixture has chilled, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball or press it into a bite-sized patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Bread the bites:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, and salt. Dip each mac and cheese bite into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Fry or bake the bites:
For frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded mac and cheese bites in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
Serve the Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites hot with a side of ranch dressing, sour cream, or hot sauce for dipping!
Tips
- For a spicier kick: Leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the mix, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese for extra heat.
- For added crunch: Try using seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain panko for extra flavor.
- For a cheesy surprise: Stuff a small cube of cheese (such as mozzarella or pepper jack) in the center of each bite for a gooey, melty center!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites are absolutely delicious! They’re so cheesy, creamy, and have just the right amount of spice. I can’t stop eating them!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “These bites are perfect for game day! The mac and cheese is creamy, and the jalapeños give them the perfect kick. They’re a huge hit every time!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These are the ultimate comfort food! The cheese is so gooey, and the crispy coating is perfection. Definitely making these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I love these Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites! They’re cheesy, spicy, and crispy. They make the perfect appetizer or snack!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “Such a fun twist on traditional mac and cheese! These are so flavorful, and the jalapeños add just the right amount of spice. A new family favorite!”
Printable Recipe
Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites
These Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites are cheesy, creamy, and perfectly crispy on the outside. A deliciously spicy twist on mac and cheese, they’re perfect for any snack or appetizer!
Ingredients
- For the Mac & Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat, or keep seeds for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- For Frying (optional):
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the mac and cheese mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix until well combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Chill the mixture:
- Once the mac and cheese mixture is cool enough to handle, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to form into bites.
3. Form the bites:
- Once the mac and cheese mixture has chilled, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball or press it into a bite-sized patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Bread the bites:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, and salt. Dip each mac and cheese bite into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Fry or bake the bites:
For frying:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded mac and cheese bites in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites hot with a side of ranch dressing, sour cream, or hot sauce for dipping!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese Bites, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect bite-sized snack, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your bites turn out!
