Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls – The Ultimate Party Snack
If you love creamy mac and cheese and the irresistible crunch of fried food, these Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Ballswill be your new favorite snack. These golden, crispy bites are perfectly cheesy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just a fun indulgent treat, they’re a must-try!
This easy-to-make appetizer features leftover mac and cheese rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – A crunchy, golden exterior with a gooey, melty center.
- Great for Parties & Snacks – These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing.
- A Fun Way to Use Leftover Mac and Cheese – No waste, just deliciousness!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Customizable – Add extra flavors like bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a twist.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Balls:
- 3 cups cooked mac and cheese (chilled and firm)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
The Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil works best)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese Balls
- If using freshly made mac and cheese, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mac and cheese into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls
- Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes before frying.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Best Dipping Sauces for Mac and Cheese Balls
- Marinara Sauce – Classic and tangy.
- Ranch Dressing – Cool and creamy.
- Buffalo Sauce – Spicy and bold.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy.
- Sriracha Mayo – A kick of heat with creamy richness.
Tips for the Best Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Chill the Mac and Cheese – This helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Freeze Before Frying – Keeps the balls from falling apart in hot oil.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch – It makes them extra crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer – Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Test Oil Temperature – A deep-fry thermometer ensures perfect frying at 350°F.
What to Serve with Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Sliders or Burgers – The perfect crispy side.
- Loaded Nachos – A fun party spread.
- French Fries or Onion Rings – More crispy goodness!
- Fresh Salad – A light contrast to the rich, cheesy bites.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Avoid Microwaving – This can make them soggy.
Freezing:
- Arrange the fried mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and coat the mac and cheese balls, then freeze them uncooked until ready to fry.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely! Spray with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, or a mix of your favorites work best for gooey results.
Can I use boxed mac and cheese?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thick and chilled before rolling into balls.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate party snack—cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a fun gathering, game day, or just treating yourself, these bites are a guaranteed hit.
Try them out and let us know what dipping sauce you love best!
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Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls – The Ultimate Party Snack
Description
If you love creamy mac and cheese and the irresistible crunch of fried food, these Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Ballswill be your new favorite snack. These golden, crispy bites are perfectly cheesy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just a fun indulgent treat, they’re a must-try!
This easy-to-make appetizer features leftover mac and cheese rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Balls:
- 3 cups cooked mac and cheese (chilled and firm)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil works best)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese Balls
- If using freshly made mac and cheese, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mac and cheese into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls
- Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes before frying.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Chill the Mac and Cheese – This helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Freeze Before Frying – Keeps the balls from falling apart in hot oil.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch – It makes them extra crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer – Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Test Oil Temperature – A deep-fry thermometer ensures perfect frying at 350°F.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
