The first time I served Fried Mac and Cheese Balls at a family gathering, they disappeared in minutes. There's something irresistible about creamy mac and cheese wrapped in a crispy golden coating.
My daughter calls them "the best thing ever," and my husband always sneaks extras before dinner. These cheesy bites are perfect for parties, game day, or when you just need comfort food in ball form.
Why You'll Love This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate appetizer because they're crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. You get that satisfying crunch followed by creamy, cheesy macaroni that melts in your mouth. They're perfect for using up leftover mac and cheese, and kids absolutely love them.
My sister made a batch for her Super Bowl party and everyone asked for the recipe. Plus, they're way easier to make than you'd think.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Aliana's Top Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- What to Serve With Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- FAQs About Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create these addictive mac and cheese bites. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, and the rest is easy to grab.
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese, chilled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Extras
You can add cooked bacon bits to the mac and cheese before forming balls, mix in some jalapeños for heat, or use Italian seasoning in the breadcrumb coating. Some folks like adding a cube of mozzarella in the center for extra cheese pull.
Want a printable version? Use the recipe card below.
How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Chill the Mac
Make sure your macaroni and cheese is completely cold and firm. This makes it way easier to roll into balls. If you're making fresh mac and cheese, prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. The colder and firmer it is, the better these macaroni balls will hold their shape.
Form the Balls
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the chilled mac and cheese into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and round. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe makes about 20 to 24 balls depending on size.
Set Up Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls. Put the flour in the first bowl. Whisk the eggs and milk together in the second bowl. Mix both types of breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl. This breading station setup is key for perfect fried macaroni and cheese balls.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! These air fryer mac and cheese balls are amazing. Spray them with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy as deep fried but they're still delicious and way lighter.
Bread the Balls
Roll each mac and cheese ball first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick all over. Place the breaded balls back on the baking sheet. For extra crunch, you can double bread them by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Fry Until Golden
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Carefully add 4 to 5 balls at a time, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're deep golden brown all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to perfectly crispy mac and cheese balls recipe is making sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying.
If it's too cool, the balls will absorb oil and get greasy instead of crispy.
Use a thermometer to check, and fry in small batches so the temperature stays steady.
Also, freezing the formed balls for 30 minutes before breading makes them even easier to work with.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can easily make these with any leftover mac and cheese you have. Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs if that's all you've got, or use crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. For a healthier version, bake them at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes instead of frying. Add some buffalo sauce to the mac and cheese before forming balls for a spicy twist inspired by cheesecake factory mac and cheese balls.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Keep leftover fried mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. You can also freeze uncooked breaded balls for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
These make perfect bowl party food alongside buffalo wings, sliders, and veggie platters. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for dipping. My family loves them with a simple garlic aioli. They're great as a mac and cheese appetizer or even as a fun dinner with a side salad.
FAQs About Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Can I use homemade mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Homemade mac and cheese works perfectly. Just make sure it's thick and not too saucy, or the balls won't hold together well. Let it chill completely before forming.
Why are my balls falling apart?
The mac and cheese might not be cold enough, or it could be too loose. Make sure it's fully chilled and firm before forming. You can also add a beaten egg to the mac and cheese to help bind it.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F) and don't fry them too long. The breading should set quickly, sealing in all that gooey cheese inside.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Spray them with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They'll be less crispy than fried but still tasty.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more cheesy appetizers, my mozzarella sticks are crispy, gooey, and always a hit. For another crowd-pleaser, try my jalapeño poppers or explore more easy snack recipes in my collection. You'll find this recipe and many others in my DINNER category, where party food shines.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
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Pairing
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