Sourdough Mac and Cheese Bites

These air fried sourdough mac and cheese bites are one of a kind. Each bite has a crispy sourdough breadcrumb exterior holding in hot and steamy mac and cheese. It is one of our favorite ways jazz up classic mac and cheese.

I have fond memories of eating mac and cheese bites after a long day of playing outside as a kid. My mom would throw mac and cheese bites in the oven and we would dive in.

Each bite had a crispy exterior and slight crunch before the soft mac and cheese center. It was easy to polish off a handful of these melty cheese bites within minutes before heading back outside to play.

I now understand why these are nostalgic comfort food from childhood. They bring a sense of warmth, texture and flavor in every bite.

These sourdough mac and cheese bites are the perfect alternatives to a mac and cheese recipe. Or if you have leftover macaroni and cheese (which happens in our household quite easily), they are a great way to be frugal in the kitchen!

Why you will Iove this recipe 

• It is a unique way to use leftover mac and cheese 
• There is flexibility in the ingredients (your choice of mac and cheese or noodles, any kind of cheese and spice variety)
• They can be made gluten free and dairy free, with homemade or store bought mac and any variety of cheese- the options are endless! 
• No deep fryer is required here- they can be made in the ninja foodie, air fryer or oven. This also means no paper towels are needed to blot away the extra oil! 
• They are the perfect party appetizer to bring to holiday parties, Super Bowl parties and any place people want bite sized items 
• Most do the work to make these sourdough mac and cheese bites is hands off – making it the perfect appetizer
• No overnight prep is necessary 
• Both kids, adults and cheese lovers will love them!

Ingredients

• Sourdough breadcrumbs (made from scratch sourdough breadcrumbs are easy to make and a great way to stale or leftover bread) 
• Boxed mac and cheese or plain noodles (any noodle shape works though we like the elbow macaroni shape the best)
• Assorted cheeses (can be shredded, cream cheese, goat cheese, cheese slices, parmesan cheese, monterey jack, sharp cheddar, cheese sauce, blocks of cheese and even nutritional yeast, etc.). Velveta cheese boxed mac and cheese even works.
• Spices (your choice, though salt and black pepper are always important, garlic powder and onion powder are great too. If you are feeling spice – add cayenne pepper.)
• Egg

Kitchen tools

• Cookie scoop
• Small sheet pan (8×8)
• Mixing bowls
• Ninja foodie or air fryer 

How to make sourdough mac and cheese bites

Making air fried mac and cheese bites is easy. This recipe uses sourdough breadcrumbs and can use noodles made from scratch or a box.

To make this recipe, start by boiling the noodles in a large pot of water on medium heat. Follow the cooking instructions for length of time. Drain the cooked pasta. The noodles should be al dente.

Next, while still hot, stir in the cheese packet (if using boxed mix) and desired cheeses. If using regular noodles, not boxed mac and cheese. Consider adding 2-3 TBS of nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor. 

Place mixture into the fridge, or freezer, until cooled to the touch. For best results, do not skip this step as it will ensure the cheese cools around the noodles, forming a solid shape when scooped. 

Once the mac and cheese has cooled completely, use a cookie scoop, ice cream scoop or tablespoon to make 1-2 TBS sized balls. Shape the 2 inch balls with your hands if needed. 

Place onto a lined baking sheet and place into the freezer. This step will allow the mac and cheese balls to hold the circular shape when dipped in the sourdough bread crumbs mixture. 

Next, beat one egg in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix spices together with breadcrumbs. 

Remove the mac and cheese bites from the freezer. Dunk each mac and cheese bite in the beaten egg and then into the spiced breadcrumbs. 

Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook until the outside is golden brown- about six to eight (6-8) minutes depending on the size of the sourdough mac and cheese bite. Some cheese may leak out and that is ok!

Enjoy alone or with dipping sauces. Our favorite way to dip these small balls include marinara sauce, ranch dressing and ketchup sauces. Some people even like buffalo sauce and blue cheese! 

Storage 

These sourdough mac and cheese bites are best enjoyed the day they  are made. Because the outside coating is air fried, they will be the most crispy on the day they are made. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or ziplock baggie for up to 5 days. 

If storing for later, heat in air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. 

To store in the freezer, place in a ziplock baggie or airtight container until ready to cook or reheat.

Frequently asked questions 

I do not have an air fryer. How can I make these?
These can be made in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. They are ready when hot, crispy and golden brown in color- about 8-10 minutes. 

What is the best cheese for mac and cheese bites? 
We use whatever cheese we have on hand, through we love a little bit of American cheese and smoked Gouda. We have made these with Italian cheese, Colby Jack and cheddar cheese.

Can this recipe be made ahead and stored in the freezer for a quick appetizer?
Yes. This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Follow all steps through rolling the sourdough Mac and cheese bites in the breadcrumb mixture. It makes a great appetizer in a pinch! 

Freeze in an airtight bag until you are ready to bake. Remove from the freezer and bake 6-8 minutes in the air fryer, or until the exterior is golden brown in color.

What are the best noodles for mac and cheese bites?

Any time of noodle will work within this recipe – as long is the shape is not long (IE no spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair). We prefer bowtie and elbow noodles the best as they hold shape and also collect cheese in every corner. You can use gluten free noodles. For extra protein, chickpea noodles are a great option, too!

What is your favorite appetizer to bring to a party? Ours are sourdough Mac and cheese bites or sourdough pretzel bites. Let us know in the comments below!