Description
Indulge in these crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls for a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Macaroni Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked macaroni
Coating:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk slowly, whisk until thickened. Stir in cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Fold in macaroni.
- Chill: Transfer to a dish, refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
- Form Balls: Scoop and roll mac and cheese mixture into balls.
- Coat: Dredge balls in flour, dip in eggs, coat with breadcrumbs.
- Chill: Place on tray, chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry balls until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add bacon or jalapeños to mac and cheese before chilling.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
