Fried Cheesy Mac Balls
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, Fried Cheesy Mac Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack that combines creamy mac and cheese with a golden breadcrumb crust. This irresistible appetizer starts with a rich, homemade cheese sauce featuring cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, perfectly coating tender elbow macaroni. After chilling to firm up the mixture, the mac balls are rolled, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the melty, cheesy center. Perfect for parties, game-day gatherings, or a savory treat, these bite-sized delights pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces. Quick to prepare in under an hour and fried to golden perfection, these mac and cheese balls are guaranteed to steal the show at any table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup All-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated. Remove from heat and let the mac and cheese cool completely (refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm it up).
Using your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with the 1 cup of flour, one with the eggs (lightly beaten), and one with the breadcrumbs.
Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat for all balls and set aside.
In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mac and cheese balls in small batches, 3-4 at a time, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Fried Cheesy Mac Balls with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.8 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.0 g | 190% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 89.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 177 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 1145 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.8 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.7 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 622 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 268 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
