Description
These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crispy, golden breadcrumb exterior. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they deliver rich, indulgent flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Base
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups (about 1 pound) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4-6 cups)
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same pot (wipe clean), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring it’s smooth before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add 3 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, stirring constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Macaroni: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Chill Mac and Cheese: Pour mac and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto surface to prevent skin. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare for Shaping: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Balls: Scoop chilled mac and cheese using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop. Roll into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Arrange Balls: Place formed balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze (optional): For firmer balls, freeze on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat with Flour: Dredge each mac and cheese ball in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in Eggs: Dip floured balls into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll egg-coated balls in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere crumbs fully.
- Repeat: Continue breading remaining balls the same way.
- Chill Breaded Balls: Refrigerate breaded balls for at least 30 minutes before frying to help them hold together.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven 2-3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry Balls: Carefully add balls in batches without overcrowding. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, flipping as needed.
- Drain: Remove fried balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the mac and cheese before forming balls helps them hold together during frying.
- Freezing the balls before breading provides extra firmness and reduces breakage.
- Do not overcrowd the oil when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Use a deep pot for frying to prevent oil splatters and to evenly cook the balls.
- Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce according to your taste preference.
- Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, comfort food, appetizer, snack, cheesy, crispy, party food, mac and cheese recipe
