Description
Fried Macaroni & Cheese Balls with a crispy golden exterior and creamy cheesy center, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni:
3 cups cooked macaroni (elbow or shells)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Breading:
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
2 large eggs
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Follow the package instructions to cook your macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the cheeses are evenly distributed.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle when forming the balls.
- Form the Balls: Once the mixture is chilled, use your hands to form small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Pack the mixture tightly so the balls hold together during frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs (either Italian-style or panko).
- Coat the Balls: Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat until all balls are breaded.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge the balls (about 3-4 inches deep).
- Fry the Balls: Carefully drop a few balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Repeat: Continue frying the remaining balls in batches until all are cooked. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
If you prefer a spicy version, mix in finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gouda, for unique flavor combinations.
These can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
