Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are a family favorite appetizer. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside. A comfort food recipe that is sure to please a crowd.

Mac and Cheese is always a kid approved recipe. Adults love them too. If you love mac and cheese as much as we do, try our Quick and Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese Recipe or Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

This is the perfect recipe to use your leftover macaroni and cheese from your holiday dinner. Make these for Game Day or a afternoon snack. Easy and delicious and made with simple ingredients.

The simple ingredients and the way they taste makes this a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• Macaroni and Cheese – Use homemade or store bought macaroni and cheese. This is a great recipe to use leftovers.
• Vegetable Oil – This oil is for frying. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – You can also use potato chips or crushed Ritz Crackers
• Milk – Use whole milk or any milk that you prefer.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Step 1 – Make Balls out of your Cold Mac and Cheese – Cool the Mac and cheese.  Scoop in 1.5 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Freeze for 20 minutes. 

Step 2 – Combine egg and milk – In a shallow bowl whisk together the egg and milk and then place the Panko Bread Crumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Place balls in the egg wash mixture and then coat them with the bread crumbs. 

Step 3 – Heat Oil – Then heat 2-3 inches of the vegetable oil in a deep large frying pan or saucepan until it’s approximately 350 degrees F. Working in batches, dip balls in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown

Step 4 – Fry Mac and Cheese Balls – .  Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels or waxed paper-lined tray. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Scooping Mixture – We recommend using a cookie scoop to make sure the mac and cheese balls are about the same size. We recommend to make them about meatball-sized balls.
• Frying Mac and Cheese Bites – Frying the cheese balls in a Dutch Oven or a large saucepan. We recommend using a shallow pan for the depth of the pan.

Dipping Sauce

Make sure you serve these Mac and Cheese Balls with your favorite dipping sauce. There are our favorites. Check out more sides to serve with mac and cheese.

• Ranch
• Marinara Sauce
• Salsa
• BBQ Sauce

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing – Place your leftover mac and cheese balls in an air tight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – We recommend freezing the mac and cheese balls uncooked. Place the uncooked balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then place the frozen mac and cheese balls in a freezer container or ziplock freeze bag. Place back in the freezer and they will stay good for about 3 months.
• Thawing – Thaw the mac and cheese balls if you plan on frying them. If baking them, place the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake. Bake at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Reheating – To reheat leftover Mac and Cheese balls, place in the oven or air fryer. In the Oven – Bake at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. In the Air Fryer – Reheat at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. Both are good options and it is best to serve hot.