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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy, golden bites filled with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they feature a crunchy breaded exterior and a rich, gooey center, ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying as comfort food. This versatile recipe can be customized with different cheeses, spices, and mix-ins, and can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Breading

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

Frying

  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Begin by boiling elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly. Cooking the pasta perfectly ensures a creamy center inside your Fried Mac and Cheese Balls.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until thickened, then stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and silky smooth.
  3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
  4. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial; it firms up the mac and cheese to make shaping easier.
  5. Shape into Balls: Once chilled, scoop portions of the mac and cheese and roll them into bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  6. Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each ball first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re well coated for maximum crunch.
  7. Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Notes

  • Keep your mixture cold to prevent the balls from falling apart while frying.
  • A sharper cheddar boosts the flavor and prevents blandness.
  • For extra crispiness, double bread the balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step before frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) so balls cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
  • Drain fried balls well on paper towels to keep them crispy and less greasy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls, crispy mac and cheese bites, cheesy appetizers, party snacks, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/fried-mac-and-cheese-balls/