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Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Must-Try Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Balls 🔥 – Your New Favorite Cheesy Crunch Treat!

These Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Balls are the ultimate indulgent appetizer! Made with rich, creamy mac and cheese rolled into bite-sized balls, breaded, and fried to golden crispy perfection, they’re ideal for parties, game nights, or as a side to your favorite comfort meals. Each ball delivers a perfect combo of crunchy exterior and melty, cheesy interior. Serve them with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping and watch them disappear fast! 🧀🔥

  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1620 balls 1x

Ingredients

Scale

🧀 Mac & Cheese Base

2 cups cooked elbow macaroni

1 tbsp unsalted butter

¼ cup milk

1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

½ cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack

¼ cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

🧂 Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

2 tbsp milk

1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper

🛢️ For Frying

Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Mac & Cheese

  • Cook macaroni al dente, drain, and return to pot.

  • Add butter, milk, and all cheeses. Stir over low heat until melted and creamy.

  • Season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly.

  • Transfer to a shallow dish, cover, and chill for 2–3 hours or until firm.

2️⃣ Form the Balls

  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion and roll cold mac & cheese into balls.

  • Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (essential for keeping their shape while frying).

3️⃣ Bread the Balls

  • Set up breading station:

    • Bowl 1: flour

    • Bowl 2: beaten eggs + milk

    • Bowl 3: panko + paprika + garlic powder + salt

  • Roll each ball in flour → egg → panko. Optional: double coat for extra crunch.

4️⃣ Fry

 

  • Heat oil in deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry 3–4 balls at a time for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

  • Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • ❄️ Freeze the balls fully before frying to avoid cheese leakage.

  • 🧀 Use a blend of cheeses for richer texture.

  • 🔥 Add diced jalapeños or bacon for extra flavor.

  • 🌿 Make ahead: prepare, freeze, and fry when ready to serve.

  • 🍽️ Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 5–6 mins at 375°F.

  • Author: Astrid
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes Chill/Freeze Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg