Name: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Optional: garlic powder or paprika, to taste; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper, a pinch for seasoning breadcrumbs; Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a snack that combines comfort food and crispy goodness? Fried Mac and Cheese Balls offer just that—a sublime treat that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. This irresistible dish brings together creamy macaroni and cheese, encased in a golden crust that crunches with every bite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or a fun side dish, Fried Mac and Cheese Balls will quickly become a favorite for all ages. Get ready to dive into a flavor-packed experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines rich, creamy mac and cheese with a satisfyingly crisp exterior for the best of both worlds.
Perfect Party Snack: Bite-sized and easy to eat, making them ideal for gatherings and casual entertaining.
Customizable Flavors: Easily add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to tailor each batch to your taste.
Kid-Friendly Favorite: A fun, delicious way to enjoy mac and cheese that even picky eaters will love.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these in advance and fry right before serving to save time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Fried Mac and Cheese Balls plays a vital role—from creating creamy texture to adding crispy crunch and flavor depth. Using simple pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious snack in no time.

Macaroni Pasta: Elbow or small pasta shapes work best to hold together well in each ball.
Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for flavor, complemented by mozzarella for gooey stretchiness.
Butter and Milk: Key for making the creamy cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and forms the base of your roux.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch for the perfect crispy outer shell.
Eggs: Used as a binder to help hold the balls together and for coating prior to frying.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika for subtle taste enhancement.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for deep frying or shallow frying evenly.

Variations for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Feel free to get creative with your Fried Mac and Cheese Balls! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs and flavor preferences, making it easy to customize for everyone at your table.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for heat.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk, plus flax eggs to bind the balls.
Herb-Infused: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the mac and cheese for brightness.
Bacon Bits: Stir in crispy cooked bacon pieces for smoky, savory elevation.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to fit dietary restrictions.

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Bursting with Flavor

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Milk Frother

Buy Now →

Meat Thermometer

Buy Now →

Olive Oil Sprayer

Buy Now →

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese Base

Cook your macaroni until al dente, then drain. In a separate saucepan, make a cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to create a roux, and slowly adding milk until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth, then combine with the pasta. Let the mixture cool completely, as this helps it firm up for shaping into balls.

Step 2: Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls

Once the mixture is cool, scoop out small portions and roll them between your palms to form tight, uniform balls about the size of a golf ball. Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up further.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with all-purpose flour, and another with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy crust.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve your Fried Mac and Cheese Balls immediately while the inside is still gooey and melty, paired with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra layer of flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Firm Mixture: Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping to avoid breaking during frying.
Double Coat: For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step before frying.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even cooking and to prevent sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
Cheese Choice Matters: Combining cheeses with good meltability and sharp flavor creates the best inside texture and taste.

How to Serve Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a fresh finish and added flavor pop.

Side Dishes

Serve these delicious balls alongside crisp greens, fresh tomato salsa, or tangy pickles to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Fried Mac and Cheese Balls on skewers for party appetizers or serve them in mini baskets lined with parchment paper for a casual, fun vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Fried Mac and Cheese Balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

Freeze the unbattered mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw and follow the breading and frying steps.

Reheating

Warm leftover balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crunch and gooey inside without drying out.

FAQs

Can I bake Fried Mac and Cheese Balls instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Spray the balls with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese balls from falling apart?

Chilling the mac and cheese mixture and using enough binding ingredients like eggs and cheese will help the balls hold their shape during cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with Fried Mac and Cheese Balls?

Dips like marinara, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or honey mustard complement the richness nicely and add exciting flavor contrasts.

Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese?

Absolutely! If your leftover mac and cheese is firm enough, you can shape and coat it the same way to make these delicious balls.

Are Fried Mac and Cheese Balls suitable for meal prep?

They are perfect for meal prep since you can make them ahead, freeze, and fry or bake as needed for quick snacks or side dishes.

Final Thoughts

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls deliver a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and comforting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up a fun appetizer or satisfying a snack craving, this recipe is sure to impress and bring smiles. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make a batch—you won’t regret it!

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Nadin
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian (can be modified)

Print Recipe

Description

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort snack combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these bite-sized balls are gooey on the inside and crunchy on the outside, customizable to suit any taste and easy to make ahead for convenience.

Instructions

Prepare the Mac and Cheese Base: Cook your macaroni until al dente, then drain well. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Combine the cheese sauce with cooked pasta and let the mixture cool completely to firm up.
Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls: Once cooled, scoop out small portions of the mac and cheese mixture and roll them between your palms to form tight, uniform balls about the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up further, which helps keep them from falling apart during frying.
Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with the seasoned breadcrumbs to create a crunchy outer shell.
Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve the fried mac and cheese balls immediately while they are hot, crispy on the outside, and gooey inside. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for added flavor.

Notes

Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping to prevent the balls from breaking.
For an extra crispy crust, double coat the balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step before frying.
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for even cooking and to avoid sogginess.
Fry in small batches to retain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
Using a blend of cheeses with sharp flavor and good meltability creates the best texture and taste inside.