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Restaurant-Style Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Restaurant-Style Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Deliciously crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls that are perfect for any gathering or comfort food craving.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 32 balls
Course: Appetizers, Snack Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 244
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese Base
  • 1 recipe double cheddar macaroni and cheese, baked, cooled and chilled
Dredging Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.25 cups milk
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • few dashes hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
Garnish
  • green onion, chives or parsley
  • vegetable, canola or peanut oil (for frying)

Equipment

  • Deep pot or Dutch oven
  • ice cream scoop
  • whisk
  • parchment paper
  • Slotted Spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Make homemade macaroni and cheese, cool and chill overnight.
  2. Use a medium-size ice cream scoop to divide cold macaroni and cheese into even size balls. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, and chill.
  3. Prepare the Dredging Station: First Bowl: All purpose flour. Second Bowl: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper and hot sauce for the egg wash. Third Bowl: Stir together panko, Parmesan, garlic, and onion powders.
Coating and Frying
  1. Lightly dust each ball with flour, then dip into the egg wash, roll in panko breadcrumbs. Roll into a ball. Repeat the process until all are coated. Place back onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350-360°F. Fry mac and cheese balls in batches for around 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning as needed for even browning. Keep oil around 350°F. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately garnished with green onion, chives or parsley with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Get creative by adding ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses to customize your mac and cheese balls.

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