Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: A Crispy Delight

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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a delightful, crispy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Originating as a popular comfort food in American cuisine, these delectable treats have gained widespread popularity, especially at places like the Cheesecake Factory. With their golden-brown exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible bites from scratch, including variations and tips for perfecting them every time.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

  1. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Step 2: Form the Balls

  1. Shape the balls: Once the mac and cheese is firm, use a spoon or ice cream scoop to form the mixture into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Freeze the balls: Freeze the mac and cheese balls for at least 1 hour, or until solid. This will help them hold their shape during frying.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

  1. Prepare the coating stations: Set up three shallow bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat the balls: Roll each frozen mac and cheese ball in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently to ensure they adhere well.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

  1. Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the balls: Working in batches, fry the mac and cheese balls until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Plate and enjoy: Serve the Fried Mac and Cheese Balls hot, with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup.

Tips and Variations

Tips

  • Make ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese mixture the day before and refrigerate overnight. This makes the shaping process easier.
  • Keep the oil temperature consistent: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying.
  • Even coating: Ensure the balls are well-coated with flour, egg, and bread crumbs to achieve a perfect crispy texture.

Variations

  • Air Fryer Method: For a healthier alternative, cook the breaded mac and cheese balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  • Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
  • Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g

Conclusion

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, these crispy, cheesy bites are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to try out the air fryer method for a lighter option, and feel free to get creative with different cheese and spice combinations. We’d love to hear how your Fried Mac and Cheese Balls turned out, so leave a comment below, share your photos on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes

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