Description
Golden, crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, these mac and cheese balls are the ultimate party snack. Perfectly bite-sized and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Coating and Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni until well coated. Transfer to a baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Shape the Balls:
- Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the mac and cheese and roll them into balls about 1–2 inches in diameter.
- Coat the Balls:
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat for all the balls, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Fry the Balls:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version, but they may be less crispy.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg