Fried Mac and Cheese Balls – crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside! They are the ultimate comfort food. Macaroni and cheese, flour, eggs, honey mustard, Cheez-Its, and vegetable oil. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or a party appetizer, they’re sure to steal the show. Dip ’em, pop ’em, and savor the cheesy goodness.
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Pin This RecipeFried Mac and Cheese Bites
These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are absolutely delicious. With a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a creamy, gooey mac and cheese interior, these bites are comfort food at is best. When you dip them into your favorite sauce, you’ll experience an irresistible treat that’s bound to have you reaching for seconds. Whether you savor them as a snack or pair them with your meal, these little bites of heaven are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Balls
This dish is effortless to make with only a few simple ingredients. Scoop store-bought or leftover mac and cheese with a medium cookie scoop. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes.
Place flour in a shallow dish. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together eggs and honey mustard in another shallow bowl. Place cheez-it crackers in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Pour crackers into a separate shallow bowl.
Remove mac and cheese balls from the freezer. Roll balls in flour; dip into the egg mixture and coat in cracker crumbs. Place on the baking sheet and return to the freezer while the oil heats.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven. Place balls in the fryer basket or cooking spider and fry until golden brown on the outside. Drain excess fried balls on paper towels. Garnish with parsley.
Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- I use store-bought Bon Evans macaroni and cheese.
- I tried this recipe with Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese, which was too runny.
- You can use leftover homemade macaroni and cheese.
- Here is our favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: https://www.plainchicken.com/crock-pot-mac-cheese/
- I use crushed Cheez-Its to coat the mac and cheese balls.
- You can use any breadcrumbs that you like. Italian bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs work great.
- This is equally delicious with potato chips!
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour for a little kick.
- Sprinkle fried balls with kosher salt for a salty snack!
- Can I freeze Mac and Cheese Balls? Yes. Assemble the balls and store in the freezer until ready to fry.
- Can I bake them in the oven? Yes. You can bake them in the oven at 375ºF for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Just spritz with cooking spray before baking.
- You can also air fry them at 360ºF for 8-10 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer.
How to Serve Mac n Cheese Balls
These mac and cheese bites are a new favorite at our house. We love them as an appetizer on game day. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce. We like ranch dressing or some spicy jalapeno ranch dip. YUM!
These cheesy bites are equally delicious served as a side dish. They make the perfect companion for a fresh salad drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette, adding a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your meal. If you’re craving a heartier dining experience, set them beside a comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup, creating a comforting and satisfying combination. And for a timeless match made in food heaven, whip up some crispy chicken fingers to join them on the plate – a classic pairing that’s bound to please every palate!
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Mac and Cheese Balls
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- 1 (28-oz) container Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese (about 3½ cups)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt & pepper,
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp honey mustard dressing
- 1½ cups crushed Cheez-it crackers
- vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop macaroni and cheese and roll into balls.
- Place balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place flour in a shallow dish. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together eggs and honey mustard in another shallow bowl.
- Place cheez-it crackers in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Pour crackers into a separate shallow bowl.
- Remove mac and cheese balls from the freezer. Roll balls in flour; dip into the egg mixture and coat in cracker crumbs. Place on the baking sheet and return to the freezer while the oil heats.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350ºF. Place balls in the fryer basket or cooking spider and fry until golden brown on the outside, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Drain balls on paper towels. Garnish with parsley.
Notes:
- I use store-bought Bon Evans macaroni and cheese.
- I tried this recipe with Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese, which was too runny.
- You can use leftover homemade macaroni and cheese.
- Here is our favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: https://www.plainchicken.com/crock-pot-mac-cheese/
- I use crushed Cheez-Its to coat the mac and cheese balls.
- You can use any breadcrumbs that you like. Italian bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs work great.
- This is equally delicious with potato chips!
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour for a little kick.
- Sprinkle fried balls with kosher salt for a salty snack!
- Can I freeze Mac and Cheese Balls? Yes. Assemble the balls and store in the freezer until ready to fry.
- Can I bake them in the oven? Yes. You can bake them in the oven at 375ºF for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Just spritz with cooking spray before baking.
- You can also air fry them at 360ºF for 8-10 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer.
Steph
Remember this recipe.
Pin this recipe to your favorite board now to remember it later!
Pin This Recipe
