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The Ultimate Party Snack: Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites
Comfort food is great, but sometimes you want to take it up a notch. If you’ve ever wondered how to make mac and cheese even more indulgent, here’s a simple answer: roll it in breadcrumbs and fry it.
Mac and Cheese Fried Balls are a great way to use up leftovers or kick off a party. They’re crunchy outside, gooey inside, and have a special twist from one of my favorite Mexican cheeses.
The Stars of the Show
The secret to this recipe is using good ingredients. Here’s what makes these bites stand out:
- Cooked Mac and Cheese: This is your base. Use leftovers or make a fresh batch, but be sure it’s cold—chilled mac and cheese is much easier to roll into balls.
- Oaxaca Shredded Cheese: This cheese makes a big difference. Most recipes use mozzarella, but Oaxaca cheese gives you a better “cheese pull” and a mild, buttery flavor that melts perfectly inside.
- Oil for Frying: Use a clean oil with a high smoke point so your bites turn out golden and crisp, not greasy.
The Perfect Coating
To get that perfect crunch, set up a classic three-part breading station with just the right seasoning:
- Eggs: These help the breading stick to the cheese.
- Plain Bread Crumbs: These give you a nice, even golden crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the first layer, helping the egg stick to the mac and cheese.
- Salt & Paprika: These season the crust. Paprika adds a bit of warmth and gives the balls a rich color.
How to Make Them
- Prep the Filling: Mix the cold mac and cheese with the shredded Oaxaca cheese. Shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball.
- The Breading Station: Set up three bowls—one with flour, salt, and paprika, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge and Coat: Roll each ball in flour, dip it in egg, then coat it well with breadcrumbs.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat your oil in a deep skillet or pot. Fry the balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes until they are crispy, and the cheese inside has turned into liquid gold.
Why You’ll Love These
The mix of the crunchy, seasoned outside and the stretchy, melted Oaxaca cheese is sure to be a hit. These bites are easy to eat, affordable, and really tasty. Don’t forget to check out our jalapeño popper cheese bites recipe!
What equipment or kitchen supplies do I need?
Mac N Cheese Fried Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked mac and cheese
- 2 cups Oaxaca shredded cheese
- 2 cups oil for frying
Coating
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Spread your cooked mac and cheese into a rectangular baking dish and refrigerate until firm.3 cups cooked mac and cheese
- Remove from refrigerator and add Oaxaca cheese. Using your hands, mix your mac and cheese to combine. Begin to form the mac and cheese balls, pressing firmly to help round. Line a baking sheet and place each mac and cheese ball on the baking sheet. Once you have finished placing your mac and cheese balls on the baking sheet, place them in the freezer for 2 hours. Freezing your mac and cheese balls will allow them to keep their shape when frying.2 cups Oaxaca shredded cheese
Breading Mac and Cheese Balls
- You will need 3 separate bowls to prepare your breading when ready to fry. Crack the eggs into the first bowl; whisk and set aside. Add flour to the second bowl and set aside. Lastly, add bread crumbs, paprika, and salt to the third bowl and mix to combine.1 cup plain bread crumbs, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, 2 eggs
- Step 1: Dip each ball into flour to coat.
- Step 2: Dip the floured ball into the egg to coat.
- Step 3: Roll the egg-covered ball through the bread crumbs to coat.
- Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for a second coat.
- Heat your frying oil and deep fry for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!2 cups oil for frying
Video
@roni.tapia.gonzalez Mac and Cheese Fried Balls | Easy Appetizer Idea | A fun and great way to turn left over mac and cheese into a delicious Appetizer. Please note, I used Oaxaca cheese because it's one of my favorite cheeses but you can use your choice of stretchy or creamy cheese. Ingredients • Your choice of cooked Mac and Cheese • 2 cups Oaxaca shredded cheese (or your choice of stretchy or creamy cheese) Coating • 2 eggs (beaten) • 1 cup plain bread crums • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp paprika #macandcheese #appetizer #easyrecipe #holidayrecipes #foodie #recetasfaciles #ronigonzalez ♬ Stompin At The Savoy – Benny Goodman
Nutrition
Serving: 119gCalories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 38gFat: 11gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 743mgSugar: 0.8g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
