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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls recipe
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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword fried-mac-and-cheese-balls, mac-n-cheese-balls, macaroni-and-cheese
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 32 servings
Calories 244kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe double cheddar macaroni and cheese baked, cooled and chilled
  • 2 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • few dashes hot sauce optional
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • green onion, chives or parsley for garnishing
  • vegetable, canola or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  • Make homemade macaroni and cheese, cool and chill overnight.
  • Use a medium-size ice cream scoop to divide cold macaroni and cheese into even size balls. Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer, and chill.
  • Prepare the Dredging Station:
    First Bowl: All purpose flour.
    Second Bowl: Whisk together eggs. milk, salt, pepper and hot sauce for the egg wash.
    Third Bowl: Stir together panko, Parmesan, garlic and onion powders.
  • Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls: Lightly dust each ball with flour, then dip into the egg wash, roll in panko breadcrumbs. Roll into a ball. Repeat the process until all are coated. Place back onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot or dutch oven to 350-360°F. Fry mac and cheese balls in batches for around 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning as needed for even browning. Keep oil around 350°F. Remove with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  • Serve immediately garnished with green onion, chives or parsley with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • I use the recipe for either my double cheddar macaroni and cheese or twisted macaroni and cheese to make this dish.
  • The key to making this dish is, the macaroni and cheese needs to be fully baked, cooled and thoroughly chilled. This is necessary for the balls to hold together.
  • It's best to use a non flavored oil to fry these balls. Either vegetable, canola or peanut oil.
  • When frying, keep the oil around 350°F frying just until the panko breading is crispy and golden.
  • There's no wrong size to make these mac and cheese bites. It all depends on the size scoop used. For a bite size version, roll them meatball size. For an appetizer, a 2-ounce scoop works well. As a side dish, use a 4-ounce scoop, the most typical size for a scoop of ice cream. Just know, the yield could be more or less.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 1mg