These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the party appetizer that disappears in minutes. Creamy mac and cheese rolled into balls, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy with melted cheese inside. Takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. I make these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls whenever I need something that looks impressive but uses leftover mac and cheese transformed into restaurant-quality bites.
Why You'll Love This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Real talk, these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are one of the easiest fried macaroni and cheese balls I've made and guests fight over the last one.
What Actually Works: This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls recipe uses thick mac and cheese chilled until firm, scooped into balls, coated in flour-egg-breadcrumb layers, then deep fried until crispy golden outside with gooey cheese inside. Simple breading technique, about 45 minutes total. Comes out with crunchy exterior, creamy mac and cheese center, and that perfect hot melted cheese pull.
My family requests these deep fried mac and cheese balls more than regular appetizers because they combine comfort food with crispy fried texture. These cheesecake factory mac and cheese balls style treats are impressive enough for parties but so simple that even beginners get perfect results. People always assume there's some complicated restaurant technique when really it's just breading and frying.
Why Other Methods Fail: Most how to make fried mac and cheese balls attempts mess up by using too-wet mac and cheese which falls apart when frying. Others skip proper chilling time so balls don't hold shape during coating. Some use thin breadcrumb coating which doesn't stay crispy after frying.
The thing that changed everything: Understanding that you need thick mac and cheese and proper chilling for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls success. My first attempt I used regular creamy mac and cheese straight from the pot. The mixture was too wet and fell completely apart when I tried to form balls.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
- What You'll Need for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Top Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage and Reuse Instructions
- What to Serve With Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- My Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Journey
- FAQ
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Related
- Pairing
What You'll Need for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Basic ingredients you probably already have. This is the easiest air fryer mac and cheese balls method you'll try.
For the Mac and Cheese Base
- Cooked macaroni
- Butter
- All purpose flour (for sauce)
- Whole milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
For the Breading
- All purpose flour
- Large eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Or cooking spray for air frying
Optional Add-Ins
- Hot Cheetos crushed for coating
- Bacon bits in mac and cheese
- Jalapeños for heat
- Different cheese varieties
- Ranch seasoning
Exact measurements in the Recipe card.
How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
This Fried Mac and Cheese Balls recipe comes together with careful chilling and breading. The technique works for deep frying or air frying.
Step 1: Make Thick Mac and Cheese
Cook macaroni until al dente. Make thick cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour for roux, gradually adding milk until thick for your fried mac and cheese balls base.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese until melted. Mix in cooked macaroni until completely coated. The sauce needs to be thicker than regular mac and cheese.
Step 2: Chill Completely
Spread mac and cheese in shallow dish and refrigerate uncovered for at least 2 hours or overnight. The chilling firms up cheese sauce so balls hold shape during breading.
The cold mac and cheese should be firm enough to scoop and hold ball shape for deep fried macaroni and cheese balls success. This step is not optional.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Use cookie scoop or spoon to portion cold mac and cheese into tablespoon-sized amounts. Roll between palms to form smooth balls for your air fried mac and cheese balls.
Place formed balls on parchment-lined baking sheet. If mixture is still too soft, freeze balls for 15 minutes before breading for fried mac n cheese stability.
Step 4: Set Up Breading Station
Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in first bowl, beaten eggs in second bowl, panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder in third bowl.
This classic breading station creates proper coating for cheesecake factory mac and cheese balls style crunch. Each layer serves specific purpose in final texture.
Step 5: Bread the Balls
Roll each mac and cheese ball in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Roll in seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere.
Place breaded balls back on baking sheet. For extra crispy fried mac and cheese balls air fryer results, double bread by repeating egg and panko steps.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F in deep pot or fryer. Fry balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking.
For air frying, spray breaded balls with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. The air fried mac and cheese method uses less oil.
Drain fried balls on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted for best fried mac and cheese bites experience.
Top Tip
Chill mac and cheese completely and use thick sauce for perfect Fried Mac and Cheese Balls. Here's what I learned through failures:
- That chilling technique is what makes this actually work
- Made this mistake twice trying to form balls from warm fresh mac and cheese
- The mixture was too wet and fell completely apart in my hands
- Couldn't get ball shapes at all and ended up with messy clumps
- Breading wouldn't stick to the wet surface properly
- Started chilling mac and cheese overnight until completely firm
- The cold mixture rolled into perfect balls that held shape
- Suddenly got restaurant quality cheese ball bites that stayed together
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
The base Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are perfect but you can customize them for different flavors.
Hot Cheetos Coating
Roll final breaded balls in crushed Hot Cheetos for fried mac and cheese balls hot cheetos version with spicy crunch. The Cheetos add bold flavor and bright color.
Air Fryer Method
Use air fryer mac and cheese balls technique by spraying with oil and cooking at 400°F for healthier version. The mac and cheese bites air fryer style uses 70% less oil.
Frozen Option
Buy frozen fried mac and cheese balls from stores like fried mac and cheese balls costco or fried mac and cheese balls trader joe's for ultra-convenient option.
Storage and Reuse Instructions
Yeah, Fried Mac and Cheese Balls keep okay for leftovers.
Refrigerator: Store leftover best cheese ball recipes covered in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to crisp exterior.
Freezing: These deep fried appetizers freeze beautifully before or after frying for up to 2 months. Freeze breaded unfried balls on baking sheet, then transfer to bags. Fry from frozen adding 1 extra minute.
Make Ahead: Bread fried macaroni and cheese balls up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Fry when ready to serve for cheese corn balls recipe style preparation.
Serving: Serve these chicken cheese balls inspired treats hot with dipping sauces. They're crispiest right after frying but reheat well.
What to Serve With Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
These Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are perfect appetizers but pair well with dipping sauces and other party foods.
Dipping Sauces: Serve fried mac and cheese balls with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard. The sauces add flavor variety without competing with cheese.
Party Spread: Include these fried mac n cheese treats with other deep fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and jalapeño poppers for complete game day spread.
Side Options: Pair mac and cheese bites air fryer style with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and pickles for fresh crunch that balances rich fried food.
My Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Journey
First time I made Fried Mac and Cheese Balls I tried forming balls from warm freshly made mac and cheese because I was impatient. The mixture was way too wet and fell apart in my hands.
Couldn't get ball shapes at all and ended up with frustrating messy clumps. The breading wouldn't stick to the wet surface and I wasted a batch of good mac and cheese.
Tried again after refrigerating mac and cheese overnight until completely firm and cold. Suddenly the mixture rolled into perfect smooth balls that held shape beautifully. The transformation was incredible.
Then I used thin regular panko without pressing it on firmly. The coating fell off during frying leaving naked mac and cheese in the oil. Started using thick panko layer pressed firmly and got perfectly crispy coating.
Now I make these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls for every party and gathering. Overnight chilling, thick cheese sauce, proper breading technique, and careful frying create addictive results.
Similar Easy Fried Appetizer Recipes Worth Making
Chicken Cheese Balls: Uses shredded chicken mixed with cheese for chicken cheese balls that are protein-packed alternative.
Cheese Corn Balls: Combines corn with cheese for cheese corn balls recipe that's slightly sweet and different flavor profile.
Deep Fried Appetizers: Apply same breading technique to various fillings for deep fried appetizers variety platter.
These best cheese ball recipes variations all use similar breading techniques to Fried Mac and Cheese Balls, so once you master this recipe the others become straightforward.
FAQ
How to get mac n cheese balls to stick together?
Get Fried Mac and Cheese Balls to stick together by making thick cheese sauce with extra cheese and cream cheese, then chilling completely for at least 2 hours. The deep fried mac and cheese balls need cold firm texture to hold shape. Freezing formed balls for 15 minutes before breading helps them stay together even better.
How do you get breadcrumbs to stick to mac & cheese balls?
Get breadcrumbs to stick to Fried Mac and Cheese Balls by using three-step breading: flour first creates dry surface, egg provides sticky layer, breadcrumbs adhere to egg. The how to make fried mac and cheese balls process requires pressing panko firmly onto each ball. Double breading with second egg and panko layer creates extra adherent coating.
Can I fry cheese balls?
Yes, you can fry cheese balls by chilling mac and cheese mixture until firm, forming into balls, breading properly, and deep frying at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. The fried macaroni and cheese balls technique works with any thick cheese mixture. Air fryer mac and cheese balls method at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes uses less oil.
What is the best cheese to use in fried mac?
Best cheese for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls is combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and cream cheese for binding. The cheesecake factory mac and cheese balls use multiple cheeses for complex taste. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or American cheese also work well for fried mac and cheese bites that stay creamy when melted.
More Recipes You'll Love
Once you've nailed these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls, try my Sweet Potato Casserole for classic holiday side with pecan or marshmallow topping. My Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes comforting dinner with homemade cream sauce. And my Cinnamon Roll Pancakes create impressive breakfast with cinnamon swirls and cream cheese glaze that everyone devours.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook macaroni until al dente, melt butter in saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons flour for roux, gradually add milk stirring until thick, remove from heat and stir in cheddar and cream cheese until melted, mix in cooked macaroni, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mac and cheese in shallow dish and refrigerate uncovered at least 2 hours or overnight until completely firm and cold.
- Use cookie scoop to portion cold mac and cheese into tablespoon amounts, roll between palms to form smooth balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set up three bowls: 1 cup flour in first, beaten eggs in second, panko mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in third.
- Roll each ball in flour shaking off excess, dip in egg letting excess drip, roll in seasoned panko pressing gently to adhere, place back on baking sheet.
- Heat oil to 350°F in deep pot, fry balls in batches 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown turning occasionally, or spray with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes shaking halfway.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot with dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Fried Mac and Cheese Balls:
Leave a Reply