Easy Golden Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect party appetizer that combines two beloved comfort foods? These crispy fried mac and cheese balls are the answer.

Golden, crunchy on the outside and creamy delicious on the inside, these bite-sized treats transform leftover mac and cheese into an irresistible snack that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

Recipe Information

Serves: 4-6 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Course: Appetizer/Snack
Cuisine: American

Why You’ll Love This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

These golden, crispy mac and cheese balls are the perfect way to elevate your favorite comfort food.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a creative way to use leftover mac and cheese, or simply want to indulge in something deliciously different, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the creamy, cheesy interior creates an explosion of textures and flavors that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta (or leftover mac and cheese)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4-6 cups)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wire whisk
• Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop
• 3 shallow dishes for breading station
• Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
• Candy/oil thermometer
• Wire cooling rack
• Paper towels
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture

If using leftover mac and cheese, skip to step 2. Otherwise, cook the macaroni according to package directions. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and cream cheese together. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial for the balls to hold their shape during frying.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Place the flour in the first shallow dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 4: Form the Balls

Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese mixture into 1½-inch balls. You should get approximately 20-24 balls.

Step 5: Bread the Balls

Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet. For extra crispiness, you can double-bread by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil so the balls can float freely while frying.

Step 7: Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls

Carefully lower 4-6 balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve the fried mac and cheese balls hot while the exterior is crispy and the interior is creamy and melted.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Balls

1. Chill thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step. Cold mac and cheese holds together much better when forming balls and frying.
2. Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside heats through; too cool and they’ll be greasy.
3. Test one first: Fry one ball as a test to ensure your mixture holds together well and adjust if needed.
4. Double bread for extra crunch: For an extra crispy exterior, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
5. Use a scoop: An ice cream scoop helps create uniformly sized balls that cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy mac and cheese balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces:

• Classic marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Sriracha mayo
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic aioli

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover mac and cheese balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked breaded balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.

Variations

• Bacon Mac and Cheese Balls: Add crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese mixture
• Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Balls: Include diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Three-Cheese Balls: Use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan
• Truffle Mac and Cheese Balls: Add a touch of truffle oil to the mixture for a gourmet twist

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Balls falling apart during frying: The mixture may be too warm or not chilled long enough. Ensure it’s well-chilled and consider adding a beaten egg to help bind.

Greasy coating: Oil temperature is too low. Increase heat and maintain 350°F.

Burnt exterior, cold interior: Oil is too hot. Lower temperature and fry for a longer time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 balls)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious.

Q: How long do I need to chill the mixture? A: At least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. Proper chilling is essential for the balls to hold their shape.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can bread the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use? A: Sharp cheddar works best, but you can experiment with combinations of cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere.

Conclusion

These crispy fried mac and cheese balls are the ultimate comfort food appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With their golden, crunchy exterior and creamy, cheesy center, they offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

The key to success lies in properly chilling the mixture and maintaining the correct oil temperature. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll create restaurant-quality mac and cheese balls that rival any you’ve had before. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy the most irresistible comfort food appetizer you’ve ever made!