Best Mac & Cheese Balls Recipe

Home » How To Make Some Bomb Mac And Cheese » Best Mac & Cheese Balls Recipe

Maybe your like

Close
  • bookmarksMy Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Membership Benefits
  • Recipes
  • Meals
  • Holidays
  • Food Trends
  • News
  • Kitchen Tips & Tools
  • All Videos
  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Follow
Skip to ContentCloseDelish App Banner LogoDelishView this recipe in our app!OPENsign inSubscribeSearchSearchLogosign inSubscribeSearchCloseLogo
  • Privacy NoticeTerms Of Use
xtiktokyoutubefacebookinstagrampinterestsign inSubscribe
  • More
searchSearchPlay Iconmac and cheese bombsYields: 15 - 20Prep Time: 20 minsTotal Time: 3 hrs 40 minsbookmarksSaveprintPrint

Mac and cheese on its own is classic comfort food we can't get enough of, but turning them into fried balls of melty goodness? Unbeatable. We gave an upgrade to the nostalgic dish by turning the cheesy pasta into a fried, handheld snack. If you're looking for a game day app to impress, this is a crowd-pleaser that'll satisfy everyone's inner child. 

How do I keep my mac and cheese balls from falling apart?

The addition of egg and flour is key here—they act as a sealant around the outside of the mac and cheese. You'll also want to make sure you're chilling your mac and cheese for a long enough period of time, at least 3 hours. If you're still having trouble keeping them together, try freezing to help with the frying process! It may take a little longer to fry, but they'll have a much easier time staying together.

What's the best cheese for mac and cheese?

A super melty cheese is what you're looking for. We went with Cheddar and Monterey Jack for maximum cheesiness, but American or mascarpone would also be great choices. Stray away from ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and Swiss cheese as they won't give you the stretchy, creamy mac texture we're looking for. 

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make your mac and cheese a few days in advance, so all you'll need to do is roll, freeze and fry. You can also roll the balls into the breadcrumbs and place in the fridge for up to 5 days before frying off. If you freeze them, they'll hold for around 2 weeks—when you're ready to eat, simply take them out and cook for the cheesiest midday (or midnight) snack. 

Made this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! 

Editor’s Note: This recipe was updated on August 16, 2022

Read MoreAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowDelish App Banner Logo

Cooking is easier on the app.

Download for free!

Apple App Store IconGet it on Google Play

Ingredients

See All Nutritional InformationprintPrint
  • 1

    box macaroni and cheese, plus ingredients called for on box

  • 1 1/2 cups

    Shredded Monterey Jack

  • 1 1/2 cups

    shredded Cheddar

  • 1/4 tsp.

    cayenne pepper

  • 2 cups

    all-purpose flour

  • kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2

    large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 Tbsp.

    milk

  • 2 cups

    panko bread crumbs

  • Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

    1. Step 1Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. While the macaroni and cheese is still hot, stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack and cayenne until the cheese is completely melted. Transfer mac and cheese to a large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.
    2. Step 2Set up a dredging station: In a small shallow bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
    3. Step 3Using a small cookie scoop, scoop small balls of mac and cheese. Toss each ball in seasoned flour, dunk in the egg mixture to coat, then dredge in bread crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
    4. Step 4In a large heavy pot, heat about 1" vegetable oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, place a wire rack inside of a large baking sheet. When the oil is very hot and shimmering (and about 350°), add four to five mac and cheese balls. Cook until very golden all over, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the fried bombs to a wire rack and sprinkle them with salt. Repeat with remaining mac and cheese bombs.
    5. Step 5Transfer bombs to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
mac and cheese bombspinterest
Jonathan Boulton
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Game Day Food Ideas

a bowl of homemade chex mix with pretzels, chex cereal, goldfish, and bagel chips

Chex Mix

pigs in a blanket made with pretzeled dough

113 Easy Bite-Sized Appetizer Recipes

philly cheesesteak with cheese and peppers in lettuce wraps

Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

pulled pork in bbq sauce

Pulled Pork

Advertisement - Continue Reading Belowa classic chicago sandwich with slow roasted seasoned beef piled on a soft sub roll with giardiniera and roasted green peppers

Italian Beef Sandwich

crispy fried tofu in a sandwich with lettuce, sauce, and pickles

Spicy Fried "Chicken” Sandwich

candied pepitas with brown sugar and cardamom

I Love These Candied Pepitas

mushrooms stuffed with cheese, jalapeno, and bacon

Jalapeño Popper-Stuffed Mushrooms

meatballs in a grape jelly sauce in a slow cooker

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

tortilla chips topped with ground beef, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos

Nachos

classic beef chili with sour cream and toppings

Classic Chili

stuffed mushrooms topped with buffalo sauce

Buffalo-Stuffed Mushrooms

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Tag » How To Make Some Bomb Mac And Cheese