Description
Deliciously crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these fried mac and cheese balls are the perfect comfort food appetizer. Made with creamy macaroni and cheese, shredded cheddar, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (cooled completely)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the Mac and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cold macaroni and cheese with the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the cheese. This will ensure that each ball is creamy and cheesy inside.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it tightly into a ball with your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet and repeat the process until all the mixture is used. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until the balls are firm to help maintain their shape during frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls for breading: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy, golden coating.
- Bread the Balls: Roll each frozen mac and cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep saucepan or skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the proper oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Balls: Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Allow the fried mac and cheese balls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm while the cheese inside is gooey.
Notes
- Use either homemade or store-bought mac and cheese; just make sure it’s very cold for easier shaping.
- For flavor variations, add crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent to prevent greasy or burnt balls.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to retain crispiness instead of microwaving.
