Description
Crispy, poppable mac and cheese balls made with smoked Gouda and American cheese for a creamy, smoky center and a crunchy golden coating—perfect for parties, game days, or anytime comfort food cravings hit.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Balls:
2 cups cooked ditalini pasta
2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1 cup shredded American cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the coating:
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
1/2 cup flour
For frying & serving:
Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping sauce of choice
Finely cut scallions, optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and let cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat and stir in smoked Gouda and American cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir cooked pasta into cheese sauce until coated. Let cool 10–15 minutes, then chill until firm (preferably several hours or overnight).
- Roll chilled mixture into 1–2 inch balls. Chill again while preparing the breading station.
- Dredge each ball in flour, then beaten egg, then panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan until hot (panko should sizzle when dropped in). Fry poppers in batches 3–4 minutes, turning until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
Swap smoked Gouda for cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack.
Add paprika or cayenne to the cheese sauce for heat.
Double-coat with egg and panko for an extra-crispy crust.
Insert a cube of cheese into the center for a melty surprise.
Freeze before frying for easy make-ahead prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop & Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
