Teresa's Recipes
Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls
Indulge in these irresistible crispy mac and cheese balls, where creamy, gooey cheese meets a crunchy golden exterior. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delightful snack, these bites are a spin on classic mac and cheese that will have everyone coming back for more. Each ball is a flavor-packed morsel that combines the nostalgia of childhood comfort food with the excitement of a crunchy appetizer. Did you know that mac and cheese is said to have origins in 18th-century Italy? Today, it’s beloved worldwide, and this recipe elevates it to a new level of deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 2 cups, cooked and drained Macaroni
- 1 cup, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1 cup, for coating Breadcrumbs
- for frying Vegetable oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each mac and cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
- Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the mac and cheese balls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions into the mac and cheese mixture.
- You can prepare the mac and cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them. Just fry them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist—try adding mozzarella for extra stretch!