Ingredients
🧀 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
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Cook macaroni al dente, drain, and return to pot.
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Add butter, milk, and all cheeses. Stir over low heat until melted and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly.
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Transfer to a shallow dish, cover, and chill for 2–3 hours or until firm.
2️⃣ Form the Balls
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Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion and roll cold mac & cheese into balls.
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Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (essential for keeping their shape while frying).
3️⃣ Bread the Balls
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Set up breading station:
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Bowl 1: flour
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Bowl 2: beaten eggs + milk
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Bowl 3: panko + paprika + garlic powder + salt
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Roll each ball in flour → egg → panko. Optional: double coat for extra crunch.
4️⃣ Fry
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Heat oil in deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry 3–4 balls at a time for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
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Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
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❄️ Freeze the balls fully before frying to avoid cheese leakage.
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🧀 Use a blend of cheeses for richer texture.
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🔥 Add diced jalapeños or bacon for extra flavor.
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🌿 Make ahead: prepare, freeze, and fry when ready to serve.
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🍽️ Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 5–6 mins at 375°F.
- 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