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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls bring a delightful twist to classic comfort food. Made with a blend of cheeses and pimentos, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese Base

  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup pimento cheese spread
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

For Frying

  • 4 cups peanut oil, or as needed for frying

Breading

  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Egg Wash

  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Macaroni: Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain the macaroni.
  2. Mix Cheese Base: While the macaroni is hot, stir in butter, ¼ cup milk, and the cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese package until melted and combined. Then add shredded Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend. Continue stirring until all cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
  3. Chill Mixture: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a container and refrigerate until firm, approximately 4 hours, to ensure it holds together during frying.
  4. Form Balls and Freeze: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chilled macaroni mixture and scoop into balls using a cookie scoop. Place the balls on the baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before breading.
  5. Prepare Breading Station: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C) for frying. In a shallow dish, whisk together seasoned bread crumbs, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Coat Mac Balls: In a small bowl, beat the eggs with 3 tablespoons milk to create an egg wash. Remove the frozen mac and cheese balls, dip them first into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coating.
  7. Fry: Fry the mac and cheese balls in hot oil in small batches until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried mac balls from the oil and drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Freezing the mac and cheese balls before frying is crucial to help them hold their shape and avoid breaking during frying.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can substitute Italian seasoned bread crumbs with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs.
  • For a spicier kick, adjust cayenne pepper to taste or add hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
  • Peanut oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and flavor neutrality; however, vegetable or canola oil can be used as alternatives.

Keywords: fried mac and cheese balls, fried appetizer, cheesy snacks, comfort food, deep-fried mac and cheese

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