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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 1 hour & 15 minutes

Description

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a deliciously crispy, golden bite-sized treat that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Creamy, cheesy macaroni is expertly mixed with a rich, melty cheese filling, then rolled into balls and coated with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. After being fried to perfection, they come out hot, with the crispy exterior giving way to the smooth, cheesy interior. These irresistible bites are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even as a fun side dish. With every crunchy bite, you’ll experience the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese in a whole new way!

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Fried Mac and Cheese Balls:

For the Mac and Cheese Filling:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or sunflower oil works well)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (Halal chicken)
  • ½ cup cooked ground beef or turkey (Halal certified)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella provides the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness in the mac and cheese filling.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are used for the coating, offering a light, crispy crunch when fried.
  • Milk and Butter: The milk and butter form a creamy base for the cheese sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture.
  • Custom Add-ins: Feel free to add meats or vegetables to the mac and cheese filling to create a more hearty or personalized version of this dish.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Fried Mac and Cheese Balls:

1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese Filling:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux (a thick paste). Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Cheese: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
  5. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.

2. Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls:

  1. Form the Balls: Once the mac and cheese mixture has cooled, use your hands or a spoon to form small balls, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. If you’d like to add optional ingredients like shredded chicken or vegetables, mix them into the mac and cheese before shaping the balls.
  2. Chill the Balls: Place the formed mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps the balls hold their shape while frying.

3. Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls:

  1. Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls for the coating process:
    • Bowl 1: Flour for dredging.
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
    • Bowl 3: A mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Coat the Balls: Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, making sure it is lightly coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, coat the ball in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese balls.

4. Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.
  2. Fry the Balls: Carefully drop the mac and cheese balls into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve Immediately: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are best enjoyed while they are hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20-25
  • Calories: 150-200 kcal
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 6g

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Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/fried-mac-and-cheese-balls/