Fried mac and cheese balls are little golden nuggets of cheesy goodness. Crispy on the outside, with soft, creamy mac and cheese tucked inside, they’re the perfect combo of crunchy and gooey that makes snack time feel special. These bite-sized treats bring a fun twist to classic comfort food.
I love making these whenever I want to impress guests or just enjoy a tasty snack at home. One tip I’ve picked up is to make sure the mac and cheese is super cold before shaping into balls—this helps them hold together better while frying. Plus, coating them with breadcrumbs gives them that satisfying crunch everyone loves.
My favorite way to enjoy fried mac and cheese balls is with a little dipping sauce on the side, like spicy ketchup or a smooth ranch. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or just grabbing for a quick, cheesy bite during a movie night. They always bring smiles, and honestly, I can’t stop at just one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Macaroni
- Elbow or curly pasta works best because it holds the cheese sauce well. If you don’t have these, small shells or even fusilli are good swaps.
- Cheese
- Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. You can mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Cream cheese helps keep the filling creamy and soft.
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- These breadcrumbs make the outside extra crispy. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work but expect a less crunchy crust.
- Milk & Roux
- The roux (butter + flour) with milk creates a smooth cheese sauce. Whole milk gives a creamier finish, but 2% works too.
How Can I Keep My Mac and Cheese Balls From Falling Apart While Frying?
Cold mac and cheese mixture is key for shaping balls that hold up during frying. Here’s what helps:
- Refrigerate the mac and cheese for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm it up.
- Use enough cheese and cream cheese so the filling sticks together well.
- Double-coat the balls: roll in flour, dip in egg, then panko breadcrumbs twice for a thick, sturdy crust.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F). If it’s too cool, the balls will absorb oil and fall apart.
Following these tips, you’ll get crunchy, golden balls with melted cheesy centers every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for making the creamy cheese sauce without burning it.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce easily.
- Baking sheet – holds the mac and cheese balls while you shape and chill them.
- Three shallow bowls – for the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to bread the balls.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet – to fry the balls evenly and get them crispy.
- Slotted spoon – lets you lift the fried balls out of the oil without the grease.
- Paper towels – drain the excess oil after frying to keep them crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon bits inside for a smoky, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy center.
- Mix in diced jalapeños to add a spicy kick—great if you like a little heat in your snacks.
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to bring a subtle spice and creamy texture.
- Stir in finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley to freshen the flavor and add color.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 3 cups cooked macaroni pasta (elbow or curly pasta works best)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
For Breading and Frying:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (such as spicy mayo, ranch, or chipotle sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook the mac and cheese, plus about 2 hours to chill the mixture so it can be shaped and fried properly. Frying and serving will take an additional 10-15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, usually 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, then mix in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything melts and you have a creamy sauce.
2. Combine with Pasta and Chill:
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix until all the pasta is coated. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the mixture firm up so you can shape it into balls easily.
3. Shape and Bread the Balls:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chilled mac and cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with clean hands. Place on a baking sheet. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
4. Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the fried mac and cheese balls with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect snack or appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Mac and Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before shaping the balls. This helps them hold together better when frying.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Mac and Cheese Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Turn them halfway through for even browning.
What’s a Good Dipping Sauce for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls?
Try spicy mayo, ranch, chipotle sauce, or even ketchup. They all complement the cheesy richness perfectly!