Get ready to revolutionize your appetizer game with these mind-blowing Mac Cheese Bites that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a creamy, cheesy interior packed with the unexpected magic of sweet dates and smoky bacon. These aren't your ordinary mac and cheese bites - they're a gourmet adventure that transforms a classic comfort food into an elegant, pop-in-your-mouth sensation that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup goat cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup dates, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked macaroni with 1 cup of goat cheese. Use a fork or a spatula to mix until the macaroni is well-coated with the cheese.
- Add the 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon and 1/2 cup of chopped dates to the macaroni mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the macaroni mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Using your hands or a spoon, form small bite-sized balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) from the macaroni mixture. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the macaroni bites are formed, roll each ball in the 1 cup of breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This will give them a crispy texture when baked.
- Arrange the breadcrumb-coated macaroni bites on the baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once baked, remove the macaroni cheese bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack, and enjoy the combination of creamy goat cheese, savory bacon, and sweet dates in each bite!
Tips
- Ensure your macaroni is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Use room temperature goat cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chop bacon and dates into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the bites in breadcrumbs.
- If the mixture seems too wet, add a few extra breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to form uniform, perfectly sized bites.
- Let the bites rest for a few minutes after baking to set and become easier to handle.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
