Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

20 mins Prep Time

40 mins Cook Time

Written By

Tara Omidvar

Piping hot, gooey and undeniably cheesy mac and cheese is good on its own. Rolled in bread crumbs, fried to a crisp golden exterior and served piping hot? Even better. Make these Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese Balls next time you're gathering friends or family and want a no-fail, delicious appetizer. Made with local Ontario milk and cheese, these Mac and Cheese are for all the dairy lovers out there!

Sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

Ingredients

Mac and Cheese

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 1⁄2 cups local whole milk
1⁄2 cup local half and half cream
1 cup shredded local old cheddar
2/3 cup shredded local mozzarella
1⁄2 cup shredded local Monterey Jack
2 tablespoons local unsalted butter
1 1⁄2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Frying

3 eggs
4 tablespoons local whole milk
1 1⁄2 cups flour
2 cups Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

9 Steps

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7 minutes or per package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside. Mix all the shredded cheese together and set aside as well.
Step 2

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until bubbly. While whisking, add the milk and cream. Season with salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3

Remove from heat and mix in about half of your cheese. Fold in macaroni, then stir in the remaining cheese.
Step 4

Spread mac and cheese onto a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Cover the top with plastic wrap immediately. Let it cool down for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for about 6 hours or overnight.
Step 5

Use a cookie scoop to spoon out about 3 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape into 2- to 3-inch balls.
Step 6

Whisk eggs with 4 tablespoons of milk. Roll the macaroni balls into the flour, then dip them into the egg mixture and after that coat in the bread crumbs.
Step 7

Place all the coated macaroni balls on a baking tray and place them in the freezer until they are all made and ready to fry.
Step 8

Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 360°F (180°C). Gently place 3 to 4 mac and cheese balls into the oil at a time and fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden.
Step 9

Drain briefly on a paper towel lined plate. Serve hot and enjoy!