Description
Crispy fried mac and cheese balls make a perfect appetizer or game day snack. These cheesy bites feature a creamy mac and cheese center coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or Italian breadcrumbs)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Add cheese & season: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine & chill: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Spread in a shallow dish and refrigerate 2–3 hours (or until firm enough to scoop and shape).
- Shape the balls: Scoop chilled mac and cheese and roll into 1 1/2–2 inch balls. Place on a tray. Freeze 20–30 minutes for best results.
- Set up breading station: Bowl 1: 1 cup flour, Bowl 2: eggs + 2 tbsp milk, whisked, Bowl 3: panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the bites: Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in panko. For extra crunch, repeat egg + panko once more.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry 4–6 balls at a time for 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until deep golden brown.
- Drain & serve: Remove to a paper towel–lined plate. Serve hot with ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping for best results.
- Double breading creates extra crispy texture.
- Serve immediately after frying.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg