Fried Macaroni

Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, Fried Macaroni takes the comfort food classic to the next level with its crunchy exterior and gooey, savory center. This quick and indulgent recipe combines al dente elbow macaroni with melted cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic, before being lightly coated in a breadcrumb mixture and pan-fried to perfection. Infused with a hint of paprika for a smoky kick and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish. Whether you’re shaping the mixture into crispy patties or frying it loose, this creative twist on macaroni is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente (approximately 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter melts.

Step 3

Sauté the minced garlic in the oil and butter mixture for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 5

Combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and the egg mixture in the pot with the garlic. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated and the cheese begins to melt.

Step 6

In a separate shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together.

Step 7

Form the macaroni mixture into small patties or keep it loose, depending on your preference. Lightly coat the macaroni or patties in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.

Step 8

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat.

Step 9

Fry the macaroni in batches, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook until golden and crisp on the outside (about 3–4 minutes per side if shaped into patties).

Step 10

Remove the fried macaroni and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(798.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3055.0

Total Fat 152.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.9g
Cholesterol 655.7mg	0%
Sodium 4526.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 138.5g	0%

Vitamin D 123.5IU	0%
Calcium 2283.4mg	0%
Iron 17.3mg	0%
Potassium 519.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 37.6%