Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

Mac and cheese: Use your leftover mac and cheese for this recipe. It should be cold and firm to hold its shape when rolled into balls.

Breadcrumbs: These provide a crispy coating for the mac and cheese balls. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the mac and cheese balls.

Flour: Coating the balls in flour helps the eggs and breadcrumbs adhere better.

Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.

When forming the mac and cheese balls, make sure they are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart during frying. Chilling the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before coating them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs can help them hold their shape better.

• leftover mac and cheese - Substitute with cooked pasta with cheese sauce: If you don't have leftover mac and cheese, you can quickly make some cooked pasta and mix it with a cheese sauce to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, which can give the fried mac and cheese balls an extra crunch.

• large beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works well as a binder in vegan recipes.

• large beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the mac and cheese balls, though it won't provide the same binding properties as eggs.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a coating to help achieve a crispy exterior when frying.

• flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that can also add a slightly nutty flavor.

• oil for frying - Substitute with baking: Instead of frying, you can bake the mac and cheese balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.

• oil for frying - Substitute with air frying: Using an air fryer can achieve a similar crispy texture with less oil, making it a healthier option.

• Allow the fried mac and cheese balls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid. This step ensures they don't stick together.

• Transfer the frozen balls to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date so you know how long they've been stored.

• Store the mac and cheese balls in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, consume them within this timeframe to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake the mac and cheese balls for 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• If you prefer to reheat them in a deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the frozen balls for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and heated through.

• Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, gooey goodness of your fried mac and cheese balls.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.

• Use an air fryer for a quick and efficient method. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the mac and cheese balls in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be used, though it may not retain the crispiness. Place the mac and cheese balls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the mac and cheese balls on a tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• Deep fryer: Used to heat the oil to the desired temperature for frying the mac and cheese balls.

• Mixing bowls: Used to hold the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs separately for the coating process.

• Slotted spoon: Helps to remove the fried mac and cheese balls from the hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain off.

• Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain the excess oil from the fried mac and cheese balls.

• Plate: Used to hold the mac and cheese balls after they are coated and before they are fried.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the mac and cheese balls during the coating and frying process.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, and oil.

• Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches and maintains the correct frying temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Spoon: Helps in rolling the leftover mac and cheese into balls.

Prepare the mac and cheese ahead: Make extra mac and cheese when you cook it initially. This way, you can quickly roll the leftovers into balls.

Use a cookie scoop: To save time and ensure uniformity, use a cookie scoop to form the mac and cheese balls.

Set up a breading station: Arrange the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in an assembly line to streamline the coating process.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the oil while you prepare the balls to save time.

Freeze before frying: Freeze the mac and cheese balls for 15 minutes to make them easier to handle and fry.