Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food upgrade with these bite-sized, golden-brown mac and cheese balls. Each crispy exterior reveals a melted, creamy center packed with rich flavor, transforming simple pantry ingredients into a snack no one can resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something fun for movie night, this easy recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and gooey cheese pull in every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (chilled leftovers work best)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for bold taste)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (adds stretchy gooeyness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps bind the mixture)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep or shallow frying)
Instructions
- Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and flour. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until everything is well incorporated. - Form the Balls
Take small scoops of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized spheres. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up. - Bread the Balls
Prepare two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs. Dip each ball into the egg, then coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the process. - Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet. Once it’s hot, fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. Transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Notes
- Baking Option: If you prefer a lighter version, bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once for even browning.
- Make Ahead: You can freeze the formed balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped jalapeños, bacon bits, or different cheese varieties to experiment with flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 balls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, crispy mac and cheese bites, leftover mac and cheese, crunchy snacks, comfort food