macaroni and cheese balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best macaroni and cheese balls recipe

I’ve always been a fan of comfort food, and macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that never fails to hit the spot. Growing up, my grandmother used to make it for me all the time, and it’s a tradition that I’ve continued with my own family. There’s something about the combination of creamy cheese and pasta that just feels like home. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different recipes and techniques, but this macaroni and cheese balls recipe has become a favorite in our household.

It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please. And the best part? It’s surprisingly healthy, thanks to the use of whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and parties without anyone noticing it’s not the full-fat version! My kids love helping me make the cheese balls, and they’re always asking for seconds (or even thirds!) It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and eating healthy. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat more cheese?

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time. It’s perfect for when you need something that’ll feed a crowd without breaking the bank or taking up too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta or cheese if you have some on hand. In fact, I like to think of this recipe as a blank canvas – you can customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it your own.

And don’t even get me started on how well it freezes – just shape the cheese balls into balls before freezing, and you can easily thaw them as needed. This recipe has become a staple in our household because it checks so many boxes: it’s easy to make, fun to eat, healthy-ish (I mean, who needs perfection when we’re talking about macaroni and cheese?!) , budget-friendly, kid-friendly… what more could you ask for?

As I mentioned earlier, my grandmother used to make this dish all the time when I was growing up – she’d serve it alongside some crispy bacon or maybe some steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. It’s amazing how many memories are tied up in this simple yet delicious recipe.

Macaroni and Cheese Balls

4.6 from 1126 votes

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these macaroni and cheese balls are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are made with a rich cheese sauce and pasta, then breaded and baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni and Cheese

1 cup elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
4Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
5Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
6Continue to whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 minutes.
7Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
8Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
9Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a shallow dish and spread it evenly.
10Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm and cool enough to shape.
11Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
12Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
13Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the chilled macaroni and cheese into 1-inch balls.
14Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
15Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
16Lightly spray the tops of the macaroni and cheese balls with cooking spray to help them brown.
17Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Three shallow bowls
Spoon or cookie scoop

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free option.

Watch Video Of How Macaroni and Cheese Balls Works

One thing that makes this recipe stand out is its versatility – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for a family gathering, these cheesy bites are sure to please. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love an excuse to eat more cheese?

The best part? This recipe freezes beautifully so feel free to make ahead of time!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Q1: What type of pasta is best for macaroni and cheese balls?

For this recipe, we recommend using macaroni or shells as they hold their shape well after being filled with cheese mixture.

Q2: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of reduced-fat?

No problem at all! Low-fat cheese will still give you great results although you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in your filling accordingly.

Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while serving?

To prevent this from happening try freezing your shaped balls until firm before serving.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients like cooked ham or diced veggies?

You can definitely mix things up by adding cooked ham diced veggies such as bell peppers onions etc

Q5: Is there an alternative method for reheating these cheesy bites?

Yes you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (180°C) until crispy golden brown.

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