Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bite

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Introduction

Few snacks can beat the irresistible charm of crispy fried mac & cheese balls. With a crunchy golden shell hiding a molten, cheesy center, these bite-sized treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, game day, or an indulgent snack, they combine creamy macaroni and cheese with the satisfying crunch of deep frying. This recipe breaks down everything you need to make these crispy delights from scratch, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly crispy outside, creamy inside: The secret is chilling the mac and cheese to firm it up for frying.

  • Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses or add spices to suit your taste.

  • Great appetizer or party snack: Easy to serve in bite-sized portions.

  • Make ahead: Prepare in advance and fry fresh when ready.

  • Kid-friendly: A fun and tasty way to get kids excited about macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients & What They Do

Macaroni

We use 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni as the base — it’s the classic shape for mac and cheese, perfectly sized for the creamy cheese sauce to cling to.

Butter and Flour (Roux)

2 tablespoons each form the roux, which thickens the milk into a creamy cheese sauce.

Milk

Whole milk (1 cup) gives richness and creaminess to the sauce.

Cheeses

  • Sharp cheddar (1 cup shredded) provides tangy flavor and meltability.

  • Parmesan (½ cup grated) adds a nutty depth and sharpness.

Seasonings

  • Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon) balance the flavors perfectly.

Coating

  • Flour (1 cup) for the first coat.

  • Eggs (2 large, beaten) help the breadcrumbs stick.

  • Seasoned breadcrumbs (2 cups) add crispiness and flavor.

Oil

Vegetable oil is perfect for deep frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan for cheese sauce

  • Baking dish for chilling mac and cheese

  • Deep fryer or large heavy pot for frying

  • Slotted spoon and paper towels for draining

  • Bowls for dredging stations

Step-by-Step Directions (with Tips)

1. Make the Cheese Sauce

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

  • Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

  • Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened to a creamy sauce consistency.

  • Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Tip: Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.

2. Mix Sauce and Macaroni

  • Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until fully coated.

  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

3. Chill

  • Pour mixture into a shallow baking dish to cool evenly.

  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.

Tip: Chilling solidifies the mixture, making it easier to shape and hold together during frying.

4. Form Balls

  • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mac and cheese.

  • Roll between your hands to create smooth balls about the size of a ping pong ball.

Tip: Keep your hands slightly wet or oiled to prevent sticking.

5. Set Up Breading Station

  • Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.

6. Bread the Balls

  • Roll each ball in flour, shake off excess.

  • Dip into egg wash.

  • Coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Tip: Double breading (repeat egg and breadcrumbs) gives extra crunch.

7. Fry

  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry balls in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

  • Avoid overcrowding to maintain temperature.

Tip: Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady.

8. Drain and Serve

  • Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  • Serve hot with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Chilling Time: Minimum 2 hours (best overnight)

  • Frying Time: About 10 minutes total in batches

  • Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including chilling)

Calories & Nutrition

  • Each mac & cheese ball contains approximately 150 kcal.

  • High in fat and carbs, so best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Variations & Add-Ins

  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

  • Bacon: Mix crumbled cooked bacon into the mac and cheese before chilling.

  • Herbs: Add fresh chopped parsley or chives for freshness.

  • Cheese: Experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Storage & Reheating

  • Make Ahead: Prepare and chill balls up to 24 hours in advance.

  • Storage: Keep fried balls in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.

  • Reheat: Oven-bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid microwave to keep crunch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mustard.

  • Serve as party appetizers alongside fresh veggies or a salad.

  • Great finger food for game day or movie night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, but frying gives the best crunch.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze unbaked breaded balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry from frozen, adding extra time.

How to make gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Make sure your roux uses a gluten-free flour alternative.

Final Thoughts

Crispy fried mac & cheese balls are a fun, indulgent snack that brings comfort food to the next level. With a little patience to chill and bread them properly, you’ll have golden bites that are crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey cheesy inside. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself!

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