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5.0 from 18 votes

Mac and Cheese Balls⠀⠀

Mac and Cheese Balls make a tasty side dish, appetizer or party food! All the great taste of macaroni cheese, but in crispy bites for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Chilling time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 15
Calories: 160 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Appetizer , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (300g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 ½ cups (375ml) milk
  • 1 cup (125g) grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • 2 eggs beaten⠀⠀
  • 1 ½ cups (200g) breadcrumbs
  • oil for frying⠀⠀

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.⠀
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 min.⠀⠀
  3. Pour in the milk in stages, whisking between additions until it forms a thick sauce.
  4. Stir in the mustard powder (if using) and the cheese until it melts, then add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.⠀⠀
  5. Spread the pasta onto a cookie sheet lined with baking paper or oiled foil, and place in the fridge for 30 mins to set.⠀⠀
  6. Roll the mac n cheese into balls, then chill for another 30 mins.⠀⠀
  7. Dip each ball in the egg then coat in the breadcrumbs.⠀⠀
  8. Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan to 350°F / 180°C.⠀⠀
  9. Add the balls to the hot oil carefully, using a slotted spoon and fry the balls, in batches, for about 1 minute each or until golden. Drain on paper towel.

Notes

  • Oven baked
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper or foil and lightly grease it with oil. Place the prepared balls on it and bake for 10 minutes, then turn them all over and cook for another 7 minutes or until they're golden all over.
  • Air Fryer
  • Set the air fryer to 'bake' or 375°F / 190°C. Add the balls to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy all over.
  • Variations
  • Swap half the milk for heavy cream (double cream) for a super creamy cheese sauce.
  • Add some chilli flakes to the macaroni and cheese for a little heat.
  • Instead of breadcrumbs or panko, roll the balls in crushed crackers, cornflakes or cheese crackers.
  • For gluten-free mac n cheese bites - use gluten-free elbow macaroni, flour and breadcrumbs. TIP: I love using crushed rice cakes instead of gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Try adding dried herbs to the breadcrumbs before rolling for extra flavor. 1 teaspoon each thyme and rosemary would be delicious. Garlic powder would be great too.

Nutrition Information

Calories 160kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 29mg (10%) Sodium 158mg (7%) Potassium 111mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 140IU (3%) Calcium 88mg (9%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 15Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 160

% Daily Value*

Calories 160kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 158mg 7%
Potassium 111mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 140IU 3%
Calcium 88mg 9%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.