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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls combine creamy mac and cheese with a crispy, golden fried coating for a deliciously comforting snack or appetizer. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these bite-sized treats are easy to make, customizable to your taste, and ideal for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese Base

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Breading and Frying

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (Panko recommended)
  • Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point, e.g., vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked macaroni. Chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator to firm up before shaping.
  2. Shape into Balls: Once chilled and firm, scoop out portions of the mac and cheese mixture and roll into compact, bite-sized balls with your hands to ensure they hold together well during frying.
  3. Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with one bowl of beaten eggs and another with bread crumbs. Dip each mac and cheese ball fully into the egg, then coat generously with bread crumbs. For extra crunch and stability, repeat dipping in egg and bread crumbs a second time.
  4. Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve the fried mac and cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, spicy ranch, or garlic aioli. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

  • Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly, ideally overnight, to help the balls hold their shape while frying.
  • Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent for even cooking and avoid greasy results.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
  • Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F to prevent undercooked or greasy balls.
  • You can prepare and shape the mac and cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, mac and cheese bites, crispy cheese balls, party appetizer, snack, comfort food, game day snack

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