Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food twist with these irresistible Fried Mac and Cheese Balls! Perfectly creamy macaroni coated in a rich cheddar cheese sauce is chilled, shaped into bite-sized balls, and encased in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. Deep-fried to crispy perfection, these appetizers deliver a delightfully gooey center in every bite. Featuring pantry staples like elbow macaroni, butter, and shredded cheddar, these crowd-pleasers are seasoned with a touch of paprika for a subtle kick. Ideal for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking, these fried mac and cheese bites are served hot for maximum cheesy joy. With a prep and cook time of just over an hour, they're an easy-to-make indulgence that's impossible to resist!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 3 eggs
• 4 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 7

Once the macaroni and cheese is firm, use a spoon or ice cream scoop to form balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 8

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.

Step 9

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumbs to coat completely. Repeat to double coat for extra crispiness if desired.

Step 10

In a deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).

Step 11

Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 12

Remove the balls using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2000.5 grams (2000.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10405

Total Fat 969.50g	1243%
Saturated Fat 192.10g	961%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.60g
Cholesterol 895mg	298%
Sodium 6470mg	281%
Total Carbohydrate 372.20g	135%
Dietary Fiber 16.40g	59%
Total Sugars 35.70g
Protein 147.70g	295%

Vitamin D 235IU	1174%
Calcium 2115mg	163%
Iron 22mg	119%
Potassium 616mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.8%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 13.8%