How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls - A Step-by-Step Guide

Who doesn't love a good serving of mac and cheese? It's a beloved comfort food that many of us have fond memories of from childhood. But what if we took this classic dish to the next level and turned it into a tasty and indulgent appetizer or snack? Enter fried mac and cheese balls - a delightful combination of creamy mac and cheese, coated in a crispy, golden crust. These little bites of heaven are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a decadent treat for yourself.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup pimento cheese spread
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed
  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 6 hrs
  • Total Time: 7 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 24 pieces

  • Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain. Stir in butter, 1/4 cup milk, and cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese package.
  • While macaroni is still hot, stir in Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend, and continue to stir until melted.
  • Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a container and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator, and using a cookie scoop, scoop into balls. Place mac balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Make a breading station: Whisk bread crumbs with paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, salt, and cayenne in a shallow dish; set aside. Beat eggs with 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl. Remove the mac balls from the freezer, coat in egg mixture, and then dredge in breading.
  • Fry the mac balls in hot oil in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate; serve hot.
  • Nutrition

    543 cal.

    • Total Fat: 32g
    • Saturated Fat: 14g
    • Cholesterol: 147mg
    • Sodium: 1204mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 42g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 332mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 265mg