Mac and Cheese Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mac and cheese balls are rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. They’re perfect for using up leftover mac and cheese or making a fresh batch just for the occasion. Ideal for game day, potlucks, or family-friendly snacks, they’re easy to prep ahead and cook just before serving. The crispy coating and melty center make them totally irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked macaroni and cheese (cooled and thick)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness, hot sauce or mustard for flavor boost, parmesan for coating
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)

Directions

1. Make sure your mac and cheese is thick and chilled—this helps the balls hold their shape. You can use leftovers or make a fresh batch and chill it for at least 2 hours.
2. Scoop out portions of the mac and cheese and roll into balls, about 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Place the balls on a tray and freeze for 30–45 minutes to firm them up.
4. Prepare a breading station:
   • In one bowl, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
   • In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
   • In the third bowl, place breadcrumbs (mix with a little parmesan if desired).
5. Roll each ball in the flour, dip into the egg wash, and coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
6. To Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
   To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place balls on a parchment-lined tray, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
   To Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 mac and cheese balls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a splash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese.
• Bacon Cheddar: Stir in crumbled bacon and extra cheddar before rolling.
• Truffle Twist: Add a small amount of truffle oil to the mac and cheese for a gourmet flavor.
• Buffalo Style: Mix in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
• Stuffed Surprise: Insert a small cube of cheese in the center for a gooey core.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
To freeze, arrange uncooked balls on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen by frying or baking slightly longer than the original time.

FAQs

Can I use boxed mac and cheese?

Yes, just be sure it’s thick and cooled before forming into balls. Homemade tends to hold together better, but boxed works.

Why do my balls fall apart when frying?

Make sure they’re chilled and firm before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan and use enough oil to submerge the balls halfway.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bread and freeze the balls ahead of time, then cook when ready to serve.

Do I have to freeze them before frying?

Freezing helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, baking works well—just spray generously with cooking spray and bake until golden and crisp.

What dipping sauces go best?

Ranch, marinara, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even ketchup all pair well with these bites.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free macaroni, flour, and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Can I air fry them?

Yes, they turn out crisp and delicious in an air fryer—just don’t skip the chilling step.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Serve immediately after cooking and avoid covering them tightly while hot to prevent steam buildup.

Conclusion

Mac and Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort food appetizer—crunchy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy snack, these golden bites are sure to be devoured in no time. With endless variations and cooking options, they’re a must-try for any mac and cheese lover.

Mac and Cheese Balls

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Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy, golden bites filled with creamy macaroni and cheese—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food. Fried, baked, or air-fried, they deliver melty comfort in every bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 balls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying or Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked mac and cheese (thick and chilled)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan (for coating)
• Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce or mustard

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Instructions

1. Ensure mac and cheese is thick and fully chilled. Use leftovers or make fresh and chill for at least 2 hours.
2. Scoop and roll into 1½-inch balls. Place on a tray and freeze for 30–45 minutes.
3. Set up a breading station: flour seasoned with salt and pepper in one bowl, whisked eggs and milk in another, and breadcrumbs (with optional parmesan) in a third.
4. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg wash, and coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.
5. To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place on parchment-lined tray, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. To Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp.

Notes

• Freeze before cooking for best shape and minimal cheese leakage.
• Use boxed or homemade mac and cheese—just make sure it’s thick and cooled.
• Add jalapeños, bacon, or extra cheese to customize the flavor.
• Serve with ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg