Description
These crispy fried mac and cheese balls feature a golden, crunchy coating with a creamy, cheesy center. A perfect comfort food snack, appetizer, or party treat, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 ½ cups cheese sauce (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and mix with cheese sauce, butter, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer to a baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Shape into Balls: Scoop out portions and roll into bite-sized balls.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, whisked eggs with milk in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Balls: Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Bacon Lovers: Mix in crispy bacon bits.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Variations: Try gouda, pepper jack, or parmesan for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, crispy mac and cheese bites, party appetizer, comfort food snack, cheesy deep-fried bites