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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls is the ultimate appetizer. Crispy, cheesy, delicious and easy to make. These Mac and Cheese Balls are sure to please a crowd.
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe:
Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a family favorite appetizer. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside. A comfort food recipe that is sure to please a crowd.
Mac and Cheese is always a kid approved recipe. Adults love them too. If you love mac and cheese as much as we do, try our Quick and Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese Recipe or Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe.
This is the perfect recipe to use your leftover macaroni and cheese from your holiday dinner. Make these for Game Day or a afternoon snack. Easy and delicious and made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Macaroni and Cheese (homemade or store bought)
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- Panko Bread Crumbs – You can also use potato chips
- Large Eggs
- Milk
How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls:
- Step 1 – Make Balls out of your Cold Mac and Cheese – Cool the Mac and cheese. Scoop in 1.5 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Step 2 – Combine egg and milk – In a shallow bowl whisk together the egg and milk and then place the Panko Bread Crumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Step 3 – Dip into egg mixture and bread crumbs – Place balls in the egg wash mixture and then coat them with the bread crumbs. Continue this process until all the Mac and cheese balls are coated with the breading.
- Step 4 – Heat Oil – Then heat 2-3 inches of the vegetable oil in a deep large frying pan or saucepan until it’s approximately 350 degrees F.
- Step 5 – Fry Mac and Cheese Balls – Working in batches, fry the mac and cheese balls in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy.
Why are My Mac and Cheese Balls falling apart?
When heating the oil make sure it is at the right temperature. If the oil is not enough then the oil absorbs into the balls. If the temperature then you can burn the balls and the center is not heated.
I like to make sure the temperature is about 350 degrees and only cook for about 2 minutes.
How long do you deep fry Mac N Cheese balls?
Once you have made the leftover macaroni and cheese in a ball and season they are ready to fry. Make sure oil has been heated to the right temperature before placing the bite size balls in the fryer.
Cook the mac n cheese balls for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Can you Bake them?
Yes, if you prefer to not fry them in oil placing in the oven is a great option. Prepare as the recipe indicates then placing on a baking sheet.
Bake in a oven at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. We recommend spraying with some cooking spray before baking.
Another option is to air fry them. We love using the air fryer and this is a great alternative to deep frying them. Place the balls in the air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees for about 8 minutes.
Dipping Sauce:
Make sure you serve these Mac and Cheese Balls with your favorite dipping sauce. There are our favorites.
- Ranch
- Marinara Sauce
- Salsa
- BBQ Sauce
How to Store leftovers:
Place your leftover mac and cheese balls in an air tight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze:
We recommend freezing the mac and cheese balls uncooked. Place the uncooked balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then place the frozen mac and cheese balls in a freezer container or ziplock freeze bag.
Place back in the freezer and they will stay good for about 3 months.
Thaw the mac and cheese balls if you plan on frying them. If baking them, place the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake. Bake at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Reheat Leftovers:
To reheat leftover Mac and Cheese balls, place in the oven or air fryer.
- In the Oven – Bake at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes.
- In the Air Fryer – Reheat at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes
Both are good options and it is best to serve hot.
Print Recipe here for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls:
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups Macaroni and Cheese homemade or store bought
- Vegetable Oil for frying
- 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Milk
Instructions
- Cool the Mac and cheese. Scoop in 1.5 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl whisk together the egg and milk and then place the Panko Bread Crumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip the mac and cheese balls into the beaten egg mixture and then coat them with the bread crumbs. Continue this process until all the Mac and cheese balls are coated with the breading.
- Then heat 2-3 inches of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or saucepan until it’s approximately 350 degrees F.
- Working in batches, fry the mac and cheese balls in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
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