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Irresistible 3-Cheese Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

fried mac and cheese balls
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Crispy fried mac and cheese balls are a delicious cheesy appetizer perfect for game day or parties. They feature a creamy mac and cheese center coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  5. Turn off heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted.
  6. Fold in cooked macaroni. Spread into a shallow dish and chill until firm, about 45–60 minutes.
  7. Scoop and roll into 12 balls (about 2 tbsp each). Chill 10 minutes if soft.
  8. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with Italian seasoning.
  9. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in batches 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Drain on a paper towel–lined rack. Serve hot with marinara, parmesan, and parsley.

Notes

  • Chill the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly for easier rolling.
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, crispy mac and cheese balls, panko fried mac and cheese, cheesy appetizer, marinara dipping sauce, game day snacks

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/fried-mac-and-cheese-balls-recipe/