Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni and cheese
plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 1/2 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 c. all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp. milk
- 2 c. panko bread crumbs
- Finely chopped fresh parsley
for garnish
- Vegetable oil
for frying
Directions
- 1
Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. While the macaroni and cheese is still hot, stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack and cayenne until the cheese is completely melted. Transfer mac and cheese to a large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.
- 2
Set up a dredging station: In a small shallow bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
- 3
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop small balls of mac and cheese. Toss each ball in seasoned flour, dunk in the egg mixture to coat, then dredge in bread crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
- 4
In a large heavy pot, heat about 1" vegetable oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, place a wire rack inside of a large baking sheet. When the oil is very hot and shimmering (and about 350°), add four to five mac and cheese balls. Cook until very golden all over, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the fried bombs to a wire rack and sprinkle them with salt. Repeat with remaining mac and cheese bombs.
- 5
Transfer bombs to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Mac and Cheese Balls
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that transforms a beloved classic? These fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the perfect bite-sized indulgence, turning your favorite comfort food into a crispy, gooey party sensation. You'll love how effortlessly this recipe elevates a simple box of mac and cheese into a truly impressive snack.
What makes these Mac and Cheese Balls truly special is taking the familiar creamy macaroni and cheese and encasing it in a perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust. It's the delightful contrast of textures – a crunchy panko exterior giving way to a warm, incredibly melty core – that makes them absolutely irresistible. Adding extra Monterey Jack and Cheddar to the base mac and cheese ensures every bite is packed with rich, savory flavor.
Prepare for an explosion of cheesy goodness in every bite. You'll experience the satisfying crunch of the breading, followed by the rich, savory blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, perfectly seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor without being overly spicy. This indulgent bite is designed for sharing and is sure to be the star of any gathering, offering both comfort and excitement.
While this recipe features a classic blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for their excellent melting qualities and creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a different flavor profile. For an extra layer of spice, you could increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mac and cheese mixture before forming the balls. You could also stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon or finely chopped jalapeños for an additional savory twist.
These Mac and Cheese Balls are the ideal appetizer for game nights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a fun, decadent snack. Serve them warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, perhaps alongside your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.