mac & cheese balls recipe

mac & cheese balls recipe

The Best mac & cheese balls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – mac and cheese balls! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner, mac and cheese balls are always a hit. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some simple cooking techniques. I like to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor, but you can experiment with different types of cheese if you prefer.

Simply cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, mix it with shredded cheese, a beaten egg, and some seasonings, shape into balls, and bake until golden brown. That’s it! My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking.

They enjoy watching the mac and cheese balls transform from a simple mixture of pasta and cheese into a crispy, golden-brown snack or meal. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? It’s comfort food at its finest.

The combination of creamy cheese, al dente pasta, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping is absolute perfection. I could eat this every day of the week and never get tired of it. As for the health benefits of this recipe, well – it’s not the most nutritious option out there.

However, it does contain some decent amounts of protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as some fiber from the pasta. And let’s not forget about all the joy that comes with cooking and sharing meals with loved ones! That’s what makes this recipe so special to me – it brings people together.

Crispy Mac & Cheese Balls

Crispy Mac & Cheese Balls

4.6 from 1932 votes

A delicious recipe worth trying! Your family will love this one.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter

For the Breading

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

For Frying

2 cups vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2Drain and set aside.
3Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
4Add butter and let it melt.
5Stir in shredded cheddar, salt and pepper.
6Cook until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
8Add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and mix well.
9Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
10Prepare three bowls for breading.
11In the first bowl, place the flour.
12In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
13In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan cheese.
14Using a spoon, scoop out a small amount of the chilled mac & cheese mixture and roll it into a ball.
15Roll the ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko-parmesan mixture.
16Place the breaded ball on a plate.
17Repeat with the remaining mac & cheese mixture.
18Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 350°F.
19Carefully place the breaded mac & cheese balls into the hot oil.
20Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
21Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Bowls for breading
Deep fryer or deep skillet
Spoon or spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Ensure the mac & cheese mixture is cold before forming the balls for easier handling. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Mac & Cheese Balls Works

Mac and cheese balls are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. They’re incredibly easy to make, delicious, and fun to eat.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve them as an appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings, or as a side dish at family dinners. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe because they get to watch the macaroni transform into crispy little balls of cheesy goodness.

And let’s not forget about all the leftovers! Mac and cheese balls reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave – simply place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Mac & Cheese Balls

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe – elbow macaroni is classic, but penne or shells work just as well.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes – you can prepare the macaroni mixture up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Q: Do I need to add any extra seasonings to the macaroni mixture?

A: You can add any seasonings you like to give the dish an extra boost – garlic powder is a great option if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes – simply substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta to make these gluten-free.

Q: How do I store leftover mac and cheese balls?

A: Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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