Description
These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy snack or appetizer made by shaping chilled mac and cheese into bite-sized balls, coating them in egg and panko breadcrumbs, then deep frying until golden and crunchy. Perfectly crispy on the outside with creamy mac and cheese inside!
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Balls
- 3 cups macaroni and cheese, refrigerated at least 4 hours
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Shape the balls: Scoop out a spoonful of refrigerated mac and cheese using a cookie scoop and shape it into a 1.5-inch ball. Repeat until all the mac and cheese is used.
- Coat the balls: Place the beaten egg in one bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg, then dredge thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, about 4 minutes.
- Fry the balls: Carefully add 4-5 mac and cheese balls at a time to the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Transfer fried balls onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Freezing: Arrange uncooked, coated mac and cheese balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and keep for up to 3 months. Deep fry directly from frozen when ready.
- Air fryer method: After coating, spray balls lightly with cooking spray oil and air fry in batches at 350°F for 15 minutes or until crispy.
- Oven baking method: Place balls on a parchment- or silicone mat-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, turning every 5-10 minutes for even crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (about 40g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
