Dinner

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

Name: Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese, chilled; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup regular breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; Cooked bacon bits (to mix into mac and cheese); Jalapeños (for heat, mix into mac and cheese); Italian seasoning (to add to breadcrumb coating); Mozzarella cubes (to insert in center for extra cheese pull)

BySarah Summers December 20, 2025December 20, 2025

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Introduction

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are irresistible bite-sized snacks featuring creamy macaroni and cheese wrapped in a crunchy golden coating. Perfect for parties, game days, or simple comfort food cravings, these cheesy balls disappear fast and delight both kids and adults alike.

A close-up of golden brown fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a white plate with a crispy, crunchy textured outer layer sprinkled with small green herb flakes. One ball is broken open on top, showing gooey, creamy, yellow macaroni and cheese with soft elbow noodles inside. Next to the stack, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with bright red dipping sauce. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese, chilled
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Chill the macaroni and cheese thoroughly until firm. This ensures the balls hold their shape when formed.
Step 2: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls: put flour in the first; whisk eggs and milk together in the second; combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
Step 4: Coat each mac and cheese ball by rolling in flour, then dipping in the egg mixture, and finally rolling in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Step 5: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry 4 to 5 balls at a time, turning occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Remove balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Freeze formed mac and cheese balls for 30 minutes before breading to make handling easier.
Try adding cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, or a cube of mozzarella inside each ball for extra flavor and cheesy pull.
Use leftover mac and cheese for this recipe – just ensure it is firm and chilled.
For a lighter option, bake the balls at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes instead of frying.
Swap panko with crushed cornflakes for an even crunchier texture.

Storage

Store any leftover fried mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Uncooked breaded balls can be frozen for up to 2 months and fried directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate with six round, golden-brown fried balls that have a crunchy, textured outer layer with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. One ball is broken open at the center top, showing a creamy, bright yellow macaroni and cheese filling with elbow pasta and melted cheese strands. In the background, there is a small clear glass cup filled with reddish ketchup, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Just make sure the mac and cheese is thick and fully chilled so the balls hold together well without being too saucy.

Why are my balls falling apart?

This usually happens if the mac and cheese isn’t cold enough or is too loose. Ensure it’s completely chilled and firm before forming. Adding a beaten egg to the mac and cheese mixture can also help bind it.