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Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls transform everyday leftover macaroni and cheese into an irresistible appetizer or snack. These golden-brown spheres feature a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb coating that gives way to a warm, creamy center of cheese-laden pasta. The double cheese combination - from both the mac and cheese and additional shredded cheddar - creates an intensely satisfying flavor, while the three-step breading process ensures a perfectly crispy exterior. When fried to perfection, these balls develop a beautiful golden crust while maintaining their gooey, cheesy interior. They're ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or whenever you want to elevate leftover mac and cheese into something special.
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Updated on Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:38:49 GMT
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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls | quickierecipe.com

Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy sphere that reveals a molten core of creamy, cheesy macaroni. These indulgent fried mac and cheese balls transform leftover comfort food into an irresistible appetizer that never fails to impress. The contrast between the golden brown exterior and gooey center creates pure comfort food magic.

I discovered this recipe while trying to reinvent leftover mac and cheese for a game day party. The moment my guests bit into these crispy balls of joy, their eyes lit up with pure delight. Now they're requested at every gathering I host.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Mac and Cheese: Day old, refrigerated mac and cheese works best as it holds shape better.
  • Extra Cheddar: Choose sharp cheddar for bold flavor; freshly grated melts more smoothly.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese style breadcrumbs create the crunchiest coating.
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind the coating and create a golden crust.
  • Oil: Choose vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper enhance flavors; consider adding garlic powder or paprika.

Creating Perfect Mac and Cheese Balls

Prepare Your Station:
Organize your breading station efficiently before starting. Set up three shallow bowls in sequence: seasoned flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place a baking sheet lined with parchment at the end for your breaded balls.
Perfect Your Base:
Remove cold mac and cheese from the refrigerator. Fold in additional shredded cheddar while still cold. The mixture should be firm enough to hold shape when rolled. If too soft, return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Form The Spheres:
Scoop mac and cheese using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup. Roll between palms to create uniform balls about golf ball size. Press firmly to compact the mixture, ensuring no air pockets remain.
Master The Coating:
Roll each ball first in flour, coating completely. Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, roll in panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat process for double coating if desired.
Heat Your Oil:
Fill a heavy bottomed pot with 3 inches of oil. Heat to exactly 350°F, using a thermometer for accuracy. Maintain temperature throughout frying process. Too hot oil burns coating; too cool oil creates greasiness.
Execute The Fry:
Lower balls carefully into hot oil using a spider or slotted spoon. Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding and temperature drops. Fry until deeply golden brown, rotating for even cooking.
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Easy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls | quickierecipe.com

Perfect Timing Matters

Allow finished balls to rest on paper towels for exactly two minutes before serving. This brief pause lets the exterior crisp up while the interior reaches the perfect molten consistency.

Temperature Control

Maintaining proper oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside burns before the center heats through. Too cool, and the balls become greasy. Keep a thermometer handy and adjust heat as needed.

Sauce Selections

Create a variety of dipping options to complement your mac and cheese balls. A spicy chipotle mayo adds kick, while classic marinara offers familiar comfort. Consider honey mustard for sweetness or garlic aioli for sophistication.

My Italian grandmother would probably raise an eyebrow at deep-fried pasta, but even she couldn't resist these golden spheres of happiness. She taught me that good food brings people together, and these certainly do exactly that.

Delicious Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Pin it
Delicious Fried Mac and Cheese Balls | quickierecipe.com

These fried mac and cheese balls represent the joy of creative cooking - taking something familiar and transforming it into something extraordinary. Every time I make them, I'm reminded that sometimes the best recipes come from playful experimentation in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these mac and cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
→ What dipping sauces work best with these?
Popular options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or warm cheese sauce.
→ Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, though they won't be quite as crispy as fried.
→ Why are my mac and cheese balls falling apart?
Ensure your leftover mac and cheese is cold and firm, and don't skip any steps in the breading process. Double-coating can also help prevent breaking.
→ How long can I store leftover fried mac and cheese balls?
They're best served immediately, but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes within 2 days of making them.

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Turn leftover mac and cheese into crispy, golden-fried balls with a crunchy breaded exterior and creamy, cheesy center - perfect for parties.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (12-15 mac and cheese balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 2 cups cold leftover mac and cheese
02 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese

→ Breading Station

03 2 large eggs, beaten
04 1/4 cup milk
05 2 cups crispy breadcrumbs
06 1 cup all-purpose flour

→ Frying & Seasoning

07 Vegetable oil for deep frying
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Start with your chilled leftover mac and cheese. Scoop it up and roll into golf ball-sized portions between your palms. The cold temperature helps them hold their shape better.

Step 02

Create an assembly line with three bowls: fill the first with flour, whisk together eggs and milk in the second, and put breadcrumbs in the third. This is your breading station!

Step 03

Take each mac and cheese ball through your breading station: first give it a light coating of flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until completely covered. Make sure each layer sticks well.

Step 04

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the breaded balls into the hot oil in small batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until they turn beautifully golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan!

Step 05

Let the fried balls drain on paper towels, then hit them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper while they're still hot. Serve right away while they're at their crispiest!

Notes

  1. Using cold leftover mac and cheese helps the balls hold their shape better
  2. These can be prepared ahead and frozen before frying
  3. Great for parties or game day snacks

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or large deep skillet
  • Three shallow bowls for breading
  • Paper towels
  • Cooking thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat/gluten (flour, breadcrumbs)