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Crispy golden-fried balls filled with rich, gooey double cheddar macaroni and cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 recipe double cheddar macaroni and cheese, baked, cooled, and chilled (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2.5 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Green onion, chives, or parsley for garnish
  • Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Make double-cheddar macaroni and cheese, bake, cool completely, and refrigerate overnight until firm.
  2. Use a medium ice cream scoop to form even-sized balls from the chilled mac and cheese.
  3. Arrange the balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again until set.
  4. Set up three bowls: one with all-purpose flour; one with whisked eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce (egg wash); one with panko mixed with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Lightly dust each ball with flour, dip into the egg wash, then roll thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, reshaping as needed.
  6. Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet and keep chilled until ready to fry.
  7. Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350–360°F.
  8. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F and fry the balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes, turning gently for even browning, until golden brown.
  9. Remove fried balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Notes

Chilling the mac and cheese before shaping helps keep the balls intact during frying., Investing in a deep-frying thermometer ensures perfect oil temperature and crispiness., Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid crowding., Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping and garnish with fresh green onion or parsley., Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven to retain crispiness., Uncooked balls can be frozen on a baking sheet then transferred to a freezer bag; fry from frozen adding extra frying time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingcrumbs.com/fried-mac-and-cheese-balls/