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Crispy fried mac and cheese balls with gooey melted cheese, served with marinara dipping sauce and a sprinkle of parsley in a cozy, party-friendly setting

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: The Ultimate Party Snack

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Impress your guests with these crispy, cheesy fried mac and cheese balls. Perfect for game nights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need a fun appetizer. Bite-sized, gooey, and crunchy, these mac and cheese bites will become your new favorite snack! 🍴🎉

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Coating and Frying:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Add-Ins:

 

  • Bacon bits
  • Jalapeños for spice
  • Garlic powder or paprika for flavor

Instructions

1. Making the Mac and Cheese

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Gradually add the milk, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens.
  3. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce and stir until completely melted.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Mix in the cooked elbow macaroni until well-coated.

2. Chilling the Mixture

  1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. For quicker results, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

3. Shaping and Coating the Balls

  1. Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the mac and cheese mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
  2. In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
  3. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, dip it in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Frying the Balls

 

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
  3. Transfer the fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Shape and freeze the mac and cheese balls before frying for up to 1 month.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

 

  • Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, ranch, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian