fried mac n cheese balls recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best fried mac n cheese balls recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for fried mac n cheese balls with you all. This dish is a staple in our household, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re having a family dinner or a party, these crispy little bites are always a hit.

I love that they’re easy to make and can be customized to fit any taste. My kids adore them, and they’re also a great way to get some extra veggies into their diet. I like to use leftover macaroni and cheese as the base, which makes them super easy to prepare.

The key is to use the right type of cheese – something with a high melting point, like cheddar or mozzarella. This allows the balls to hold their shape when they’re fried. Once you’ve got the cheese mixture down, you can add in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots.

They’ll cook right into the cheese and add some extra flavor and nutrition. I also like to add in some breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Simply mix everything together until it’s well combined, then shape into balls and fry until golden brown.

It’s really that simple! I’ve made this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress. My family loves it when I make these for dinner, and they’re also perfect for potlucks or parties.

Plus, they’re just so much fun to eat – who doesn’t love a good fried ball of mac n cheese?

Crispy Fried Mac n Cheese Balls

4.6 from 1382 votes

These Fried Mac n Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups water
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs

For the Frying

2 cups vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
8Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
9Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
10Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
11Once cool, form the macaroni and cheese into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
12Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours.
13In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
14In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
15In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
16Roll each frozen mac n cheese ball in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully covered.
17Place the breaded mac n cheese balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes.
18In a deep fryer or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
19Fry the mac n cheese balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
20Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried mac n cheese balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
21Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Deep fryer or deep skillet
Wooden spoon
Slotted spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the mac n cheese is completely cooled before forming into balls. Freezing the balls before breading and frying helps to maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Fried Mac n Cheese Balls Works

These fried mac n cheese balls are a staple in our household, and for good reason – they’re easy to make, delicious, and fun to eat. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to fit any taste or dietary need.

My kids love helping me make these because they get to get creative with the ingredients – we’ve added in all sorts of different cheeses and spices over the years. Plus, they’re just so much fun to eat – who doesn’t love a good fried ball of mac n cheese?

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for a party, these fried mac n cheese balls are always a good idea.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Fried Mac n Cheese Balls

1.

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?
A: For the best results, use a high-melting-point cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

2.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked pasta instead of making fresh macaroni?
A: Yes, using leftover cooked pasta is a great way to make this recipe even quicker – just be sure to let it cool first.

3.

Q: How do I get my mac n cheese balls to stay crispy?
A: To keep your mac n cheese balls crispy, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying them – do this in batches if necessary.

4.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: While you can bake these mac n cheese balls instead of frying them, they won’t have the same crunchy exterior that frying gives them.

5.

Q: Are these mac n cheese balls healthy?
A: While they may not be the healthiest option, you can make them healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and adding in some extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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