Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 c. + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
divided
- 1 1/4 c. whole milk
- 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. shredded pepper-jack cheese
- 1 4 oz. jar diced pimentos
drained, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 12 oz. kettle cooked potato chips
- Vegetable oil
for frying
Directions
- 1
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the macaroni and set aside.
- 2
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the flour and cook 1 minute, stirring with a whisk. Whisk in the milk and cook 3-4 minutes until the mixture reaches a low boil and thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheeses and mix until melted. Add the pimientos, salt, and red pepper and stir to combine. Fold in the macaroni. (The mixture will be very thick.)
- 3
Spread the macaroni mixture evenly into a 9-inch by 13-inch pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until cold.
- 4
Shape the cold macaroni mixture into 2-inch sized balls and place on a parchment lined sheet tray.
- 5
Place the potato chips in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the bag to finely crush the chips. Pour the crushed chips into a shallow dish. Place the remaining 1 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Roll each ball around in the flour, then dip in the eggs letting any excess egg drip off. Roll the ball in the crushed potato chips, firmly pressing the chips into the ball to create a solid coating. Return the balls to the baking sheet. Repeat to coat all of the balls.
- 6
Heat the oil in a dutch oven or large pot until a thermometer registers 350°. Fry 6 balls at a time for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and hot in the center. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
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About this Recipe
Ready to elevate your favorite comfort food to an irresistible party snack? These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls deliver a truly spectacular crunch followed by a molten, cheesy center that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Forget everything you thought you knew about mac and cheese; this indulgent appetizer transforms it into something utterly delightful.
What makes these mac and cheese balls truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients and textures. We're not just frying any mac and cheese here. The blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack ensures a complex flavor profile—rich, tangy, and with just the right amount of kick. Diced pimentos add a subtle sweetness and bright color, perfectly complementing the savory cheese. And the secret to that unparalleled exterior? Kettle cooked potato chips, crushed to create an incredibly crisp and flavorful coating that beats plain breadcrumbs every time.
When you bite into one of these golden-brown spheres, you'll first experience the satisfying shatter of the crunchy potato chip crust. This gives way to an impossibly creamy, gooey macaroni interior that stretches and melts. The sharp cheddar provides that classic, deep cheese flavor, while the pepper jack introduces a warm, gentle heat, enhanced by a touch of cayenne pepper. It’s a comforting, savory, and slightly spicy mouthful, perfect for satisfying a craving or impressing guests. This dish is designed to be a textural marvel and a flavor explosion.
Feel free to customize these mac and cheese balls to your liking. For a milder flavor, you could swap the pepper jack for Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese. If pimentos aren't your preference, finely diced roasted red bell peppers can offer a similar sweetness. Experiment with different flavored kettle chips—barbecue or sour cream and onion could add an interesting twist to the coating. For those who love a bigger spice kick, increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the macaroni mixture.
These indulgent bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. They're perfect for game day, holiday appetizers, or simply as a special treat when you're entertaining friends. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or a spicy aioli, for an unforgettable experience.