Mac and cheese balls are a great party or game day food, and they are often served with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch dressing, or aioli. They are also a fun way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese and can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy snack.
Mac and Cheese Balls
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1/2 shredded pound mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsps All-purpose flour
- 1 ib Grated cheddar cheese
- 1 ib Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups heated cream
- 1 Pepper
- 2 tbsps Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps Egg wash
- 1/2 ib parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni in relation to the directions on the package.
- Rinse with cold water and drain. Transfer to a bowl and set aside
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium flame. Add flour and whisk for a couple of minutes. Stir the heated cream until there are no more lumps. Cook until thick. Remove from the stove. Stir in the cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top the cheese mixture onto the cooked macaroni. Gently fold until combined. Transfer to a shallow pan and refrigerate for 2hours.
- Use your hands to form meatball-sized balls from the mixture.Arrange them in a tray lined with wax paper. Freeze overnight.
- Dip the frozen mac and cheese balls in the egg wash and coat them with panko breadcrumbs. Gently press to make the coating stick.
- Arrange them in the cooking basket. Cook for 8 minutes at 400 degrees.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Some related questions about Mac and cheese balls
1. How do I make mac and cheese balls?
To make mac and cheese balls, you will need cooked macaroni, a cheese sauce made from melted cheese, milk, and butter, and additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and other ingredients, shape into small balls, and coat with breadcrumbs before frying or baking until crispy.
2. Can I use any type of cheese for the cheese sauce?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well for the cheese sauce, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses for added flavor.
3. Can I make mac and cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make mac and cheese balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also freeze them for later use.
4. How should I serve mac and cheese balls?
Mac and cheese balls are often served as a snack or appetizer and can be paired with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch dressing, or aioli. They can also be served as a side dish or as a fun twist on traditional mac and cheese.
5. Can I make mac and cheese ball without frying them?
Yes, you can bake mac and cheese balls in the oven for a healthier option. Simply place the coated balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.
Tips to help you cook the perfect mac and cheese balls
Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect mac and cheese balls:
- Use cold macaroni and cheese: It’s easier to shape cold mac and cheese into balls, so it’s best to make the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator before shaping the balls.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients: When mixing the ingredients for the mac and cheese balls, be careful not to overmix them as this can make the balls tough.
- Coat the balls well: Make sure to coat the balls well in breadcrumbs or other coatings to ensure that they are crispy on the outside and don’t fall apart during frying or baking.
- Fry in small batches: To ensure that the mac and cheese balls cook evenly, fry them in small batches rather than overcrowding the pan.
- Drain excess oil: After frying the mac and cheese balls, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and remove any excess oil from the surface of the balls.
- Experiment with different coatings and flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings and flavors to add variety to your mac and cheese balls. You can try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to the mixture, or use different types of breadcrumbs or coatings.
Serving suggestions
Mac and cheese balls are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve mac and cheese balls as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo, for your guests to enjoy.
- Side dish: Mac and cheese balls make a great side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or any other main dish. Serve them with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Snack: Mac and cheese balls are a fun and tasty snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Serve them as a mid-afternoon snack, or as a late-night treat while watching a movie.
- Picnic food: Pack mac and cheese balls for your next picnic or outdoor adventure. They are easy to transport and can be served at room temperature, making them perfect for a day out in the sun.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love mac and cheese, and mac and cheese balls are no exception. Serve them as a fun and tasty after-school snack, or as a lunchtime treat alongside some carrot sticks and apple slices.
No matter how you choose to serve them, mac and cheese balls are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, crispy goodness.
Mac and cheese balls are a great party or game day food, and they are often served with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch dressing, or aioli. They are also a fun way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese and can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy snack.
Overall, mac and cheese balls are a tasty and easy-to-make treat that are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic combination of macaroni and cheese.