Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›The Heidelberg›Mac & Pepper Jack Cheese Bites Recipe

Mac & Pepper Jack Cheese Bites Recipe

Inspired by The Heidelberg
Time1h
Serves4

Mac & creamy pepper jack cheese, coated with breadcrumbs. Deep fried and served with a side of ranch

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Ranch Dipping Sauce

Method

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

  1. 1

    Cook the Macaroni

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt and then add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Make the Cheese Sauce

    In the same pot, melt 2 tbs of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tbs of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk and bring to a simmer. Once it thickens, remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.

  3. 3

    Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Form the Bites

    Once cooled, take small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Coat the Bites

    Set up a breading station with one bowl containing the beaten egg and another bowl with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Dip each macaroni ball into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

  6. 6

    Fry the Bites

    In a deep pot, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded macaroni bites in batches and fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

Ranch Dipping Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tbs of buttermilk, 1 tsp of dried dill weed, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper.

  2. 8

    Chill the Sauce

    Mix well until smooth, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

More from The Heidelberg