Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls, Fried Mac and Cheese Bites… call them what you will, because they are both delicious as a party appetizer! 

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

I don’t know about you, but I love party appetizers. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is, I’m always up for bite-sized party food— and if I’m completely honest, the unhealthier, the better! Parties and celebrations are no time to count calories!

One of my favorite appetizer recipes is for Fried Macaroni & Cheese Balls — Yes, you heard me. Fried Mac and Cheese … does it get any better than that!?  These little balls of cheesy goodness take some time to prepare, but the payoff is totally worth it! You can even use leftover macaroni and cheese to make these tasty morsels!

Serve these mac and cheese bites at your next party, Game Day, or even as a special treat for the kids. I promise, your guests are going to love them!

Fried Mac & Cheese Bites Recipe

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese block or 16oz shredded
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese

1. Boil macaroni until tender, drain and set aside. Shred cheese and set aside.

2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and mix until light brown color (make a roux).

3. Add 1 cup milk and whisk until thick.

4. Add cheese one handful at a time. Mix until cheese is melted and smooth.

5. Add cooked macaroni to pan and mix until well coated. Add salt and pepper.

6. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until cold.

7. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.

8. Form cold macaroni and cheese into 1″ balls and place on prepared pan. Place in freezer for at least 1 hour (overnight works well).

9. Beat eggs and add 1/4 cup milk in a bowl to make an egg wash.

10. Dip mac and cheese balls into egg wash then roll into bread crumbs, coating completely.

11. Heat oil in the deep fryer to 320 degrees, or fill skillet 1/2-3/4″ deep and heat over medium-high to 320 degrees.

12. Fry 3-4 minutes, until golden, and drain. Serve immediately.

4 from 2 votes

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Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

Course: Appetizer

Author: Stefanie Fauquet

Ingredients

• 1 lb macaroni
• 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese block or 16oz shredded
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Boil macaroni until tender, drain and set aside. Shred cheese and set aside.
2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and mix until light brown color (make a roux).
3. Add 1 cup milk and whisk until thick.
4. Add cheese one handful at a time. Mix until cheese is melted and smooth.
5. Add cooked macaroni to pan and mix until well coated. Add salt and pepper.
6. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
7. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
8. Form cold macaroni and cheese into 1" balls and place on prepared pan. Place in freezer for at least 1 hour (overnight works well).
9. Beat eggs and add 1/4 cup milk in a bowl to make an egg wash.
10. Dip balls into egg wash then roll into bread crumbs, coating completely.
11. Heat oil in deep fryer to 320 degrees, or fill skillet 1/2-3/4" deep and heat over medium high to 320 degrees.
12. Fry 3-4 minutes, until golden, and drain. Serve immediately.

Want to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls? You might find these useful:

Barilla Pasta, Elbow, 16 OunceKikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs, 2 lb BoxKing Arthur Flour Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, 5 PoundSilpat 11-5/8″ x 16-1/2″ Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat

More Appetizer Recipes:

• Pull Apart Cheese Bread
• Veggie Pizza Crescent Bites
• Slow Cooker Party Meatballs
• Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
• Jalapeno Cheese Bites
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball
• Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip
• Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
• Buffalo Cauliflower