This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mac and cheese bites are the ultimate party snack. Scoop up leftover mac, roll it in crispy panko, and bake until the outside’s golden and the inside’s melty. No fryer needed, no greasy mess, just cheesy, handheld bites that disappear fast on game day (especially with a little ranch dressing for dipping).
Here’s Why This Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe Works
Perfect use for leftovers: Cold mac holds its shape, making it easy to scoop and roll.
Crispy outside, gooey inside: Baked panko coating gives crunch while the middle stays melty.
No deep fryer required: All the fun of a fried snack without the grease or mess.
Crowd-pleasing finger food: Bite-sized, cheesy, and built for game day or parties.
Customizable flavor: Mix in bacon bits, jalapeños, or different cheeses to switch things up.
If you’re craving something more classic, my Betty Crocker mac and cheese keeps it simple with nothing but sharp cheddar.
Recipe Tips
Start with cold mac: Leftover mac and cheese straight from the fridge scoops and rolls much easier.
Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop to keep the bites uniform so they bake evenly.
Freeze before baking: A quick 15–20 minutes in the freezer helps the bites hold their shape in the oven.
Toast the panko first: Golden toasted breadcrumbs add extra crunch and flavor.
Don’t overbake: Pull them when the coating is crisp and golden. Too long and the centers can dry out.
Serve hot with dips: Ranch, marinara, or even Buffalo sauce make perfect pairings.
Plays well with others: Pair these bites with lemon pepper wings, sliders, or nachos for the ultimate game-day spread.
If you want to get fancy, use our seafood mac and cheese to make these little morsels.
Baked Mac n Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese bites are built for sharing; crispy, cheesy, and gone before halftime. Set them out with your favorite dips, pile them next to wings or sliders, and you’ve got a snack spread that wins every time.
Pin this now to find it later!
Pin It
Baked Mac ‘n Cheese Bites
If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cups cold leftover mac ’n cheese
- 3 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
For the Dip:
- 1 cup Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
Toast the Breadcrumbs:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread breadcrumbs across the bottom in an even layer.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes, stir the breadcrumbs, and bake another 2-3 minutes or until light golden in color. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet.
Prepare the Bites:
- Remove the leftover mac and cheese from the refrigerator and scoop into balls with a medium size (1-1/2 tablespoon) cookie scoop. Roll each scooped portion with your hands into a round, smooth ball and place it on a plate.
- Transfer the cooled breadcrumbs to a shallow dish.
- Add the egg whites to another shallow dish and whisk lightly with a fork
- Place a wire rack on the rimmed baking sheet and keep close at hand.
- Dip a ball of mac ’n cheese in the dish of egg whites, then place in the dish of toasted breadcrumbs. Roll the balls to coat them completely. Press down as you roll to adhere the crumbs.
- Place on the wire rack. Continue dipping and coating the remaining balls and adding to the wire rack.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
While the Mac ’n Cheese Bites are Baking:
- In a small dish, combine the buttermilk ranch dressing with the mayonnaise, whisking to blend into a thick dip.
- When the mac ‘ cheese bites have finished baking and golden brown, remove them from the oven and place on a serving plate and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Serve warm with the ranch dip along side.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
They look absolutely irresistible!
thanks Angie