Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Mac and Cheese Balls! Imagine biting into a crispy golden exterior that gives way to a gooey, cheesy center, all packed into a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in, these savory bites are sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking process, you'll have a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and fun to make. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the cheesy goodness that awaits!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up and make shaping easier.
- Remove mixture from refrigerator and use clean hands to form compact balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Press firmly to ensure balls hold together.
- Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each mac and cheese ball in breadcrumbs, coating evenly and completely.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Ensure sufficient oil depth for deep frying.
- Carefully lower breaded mac and cheese balls into hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Cook the Macaroni Perfectly: Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente. This will help the pasta hold its shape and prevent the balls from becoming mushy.
- Chill the Mixture: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes makes it easier to shape the balls and helps them hold together during frying.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged. Fresh cheese melts better and enhances the overall taste.
- Fry in Batches: To achieve that perfect golden brown crust, fry the mac and cheese balls in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy balls.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the balls on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.
- Experiment with Dips: While these mac and cheese balls are delicious on their own, don’t hesitate to serve them with a variety of dips like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even spicy sriracha for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
