Description
Make delicious, cheesy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls perfect for game day. These bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser from Gourmet Gusto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (chilled)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Gather your chilled macaroni and cheese.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
- Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mac and cheese and roll it into a tight ball.
- Dredge each ball first in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured ball into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
- Roll the ball thoroughly in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Chill the coated balls for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop 3-4 balls at a time into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy your game day treat!
Notes
- Using very cold macaroni and cheese is key for easy shaping.
- Panko breadcrumbs give you the best crunch.
- Do not skip the chilling step after coating; it prevents the balls from falling apart when frying.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American/Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: Approx. 300
- Sugar: Approx. 3g
- Sodium: Approx. 550mg
- Fat: Approx. 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Trace
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 10g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 80mg