Step 1: Making the Cheese Sauce
The first step to making Fried Mac and Cheese Bites is to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce that will form the base of your mac and cheese. Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of the flour and cook it for about 1 minute. This will create a roux, which is a thickening agent for the sauce.

Next, gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk the mixture as it heats up. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Keep whisking the sauce frequently, allowing it to thicken. After about 3 minutes, the mixture should have thickened enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. This is the point where you know your sauce is ready for the next step.

Step 2: Adding the Cheeses and Seasonings
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the cheeses. Reduce the heat to low, and add both the shredded white Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the cheese has completely melted, and the sauce is smooth. The richness of the cheese will blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Now, it’s time to season the sauce. Add the kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. These seasonings will not only enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce but also add a hint of spice that will complement the richness of the cheese.

Step 3: Mixing in the Macaroni
After the cheese sauce has come together, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni. The thick sauce will coat the pasta, making each bite creamy and cheesy. Don’t worry if the mixture feels thick — this is exactly what you want. The thickened mixture will hold its shape when you roll it into balls later.

Step 4: Chilling the Mac and Cheese Mixture
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking pan. Spread the mixture out evenly so it forms an even layer. Next, cover the pan with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the macaroni mixture. This will prevent the surface from drying out and allow the mixture to firm up as it chills in the refrigerator.

Chill the mac and cheese mixture for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the mixture is an essential step, as it makes the mac and cheese easier to shape into balls and ensures that the balls will hold their shape during frying.

Step 5: Forming the Mac and Cheese Balls
Once the mixture is chilled and firm, it’s time to shape the mac and cheese into bite-sized balls. To do this, pour vegetable oil into a large Dutch oven, heating it over medium-high heat to 350°F. While the oil heats, scoop 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of the mac and cheese mixture into your hands and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, making a total of about 36 balls.

Step 6: Coating the Mac and Cheese Balls
Next, prepare three shallow dishes for breading the balls. In the first dish, place the remaining 1/3 cup of flour. In the second dish, whisk together the two eggs and water to make an egg wash. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Take each mac and cheese ball and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, before rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the ball to ensure they stick well. Once each ball is coated, return it to the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re not frying them right away, you can cover the balls with plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for up to 30 minutes.

Step 7: Frying the Mac and Cheese Balls
Now comes the fun part: frying! Heat the oil to 350°F, and fry the mac and cheese balls in batches of 6 to 8, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Fry them until they are golden brown on the outside and the cheese inside is hot and melted, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Once fried, transfer the mac and cheese balls to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Step 8: Serving and Enjoying
These Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are best enjoyed while they’re still hot and crispy. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the creamy, cheesy interior is simply irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a tangy sriracha mayo for an added kick.