Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe : Easy & Delicious
Looking for a fun and irresistible snack to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings? Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the perfect solution! This delicious dish combines the comforting, creamy goodness of mac and cheese with a crispy golden coating that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or simply looking for a savory treat, these mac and cheese balls will be the star of the show.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You can prepare the mac and cheese base ahead of time, allowing it to chill and firm up, making it easier to form into bite-sized balls. After dipping them into breadcrumbs and frying until golden, the mac and cheese balls are crunchy on the outside while remaining delectably gooey and cheesy on the inside. The contrast in textures is irresistible, and every bite delivers comfort food at its finest.
Not only are fried mac and cheese balls mouthwatering, but they’re also customizable to suit your preferences. Add extra ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or herbs for a unique twist, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to any flavor profile, ensuring it’s always a hit at any gathering.
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make these addictive fried mac and cheese balls from scratch!
Equipment
- Saucepan: To make the creamy cheese sauce for the mac and cheese.
- Large Pot or Deep Fryer: For frying the mac and cheese balls until golden and crispy.
- Shallow Bowls: For dipping the mac and cheese balls into the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs: To carefully lower and remove the mac and cheese balls from the hot oil.
- Baking Sheet or Tray: For cooling the fried mac and cheese balls and draining excess oil.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the mac and cheese ingredients and shaping the balls.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese Base: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes, or until it firms up slightly.
- Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls: Once the mixture has cooled, take a spoonful and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Bread the Balls: Crack an egg into a shallow bowl and beat it. In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is well-coated.
- Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the fried mac and cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
To make this Fried Mac and Cheese Balls recipe even more delicious, try adding crispy bacon bits, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for extra flavor. You can also season the breadcrumb coating with garlic powder or herbs to enhance the taste. For an extra crispy texture, double bread the balls before frying. Enjoy them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or marinara to take the flavor to the next leve