Mac and Cheese Balls⠀⠀
User Reviews
5
Mac and Cheese Balls⠀⠀
Description
The recipe begins by cooking elbow macaroni and preparing a cheese sauce from butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and optional mustard powder. The sauce combines with the drained pasta, then chills to set the mixture. The set mac and cheese is rolled into balls, dipped in beaten egg, and coated with breadcrumbs. The balls are fried in hot oil until golden or alternatively baked or air-fried to achieve a crispy outer layer.
This creates a textural contrast with a crunchy exterior and a creamy, cheesy center. The cheddar provides classic melted cheese richness, while the mustard powder can add subtle depth. Cooking oil should be neutral to avoid overpowering flavors.
Mac and Cheese Balls can be served as finger food, appetizers, or snacks. Variations include adding chili flakes for heat or swapping coatings for crushed crackers or cornflakes. Gluten-free versions can be made by using gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.
Options for cooking include oven baking at 400°F for 17 minutes total with turning, or air frying at 375°F for 20 minutes with a flip halfway. Using half cream in place of some milk yields a richer sauce. Herbs or spices can be added to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
You can bake the balls at 400°F for about 17 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.Air frying at 375°F is an alternative method; cook for 20 minutes total, flipping halfway.Replacing half the milk with heavy cream results in a creamier cheese sauce.Add chili flakes to the cheese mixture if you prefer some heat.Use crushed crackers or cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for coating.Gluten-free versions require gluten-free elbow macaroni, flour, and breadcrumbs; crushed rice cakes make a good coating alternative.Seasoning the breadcrumb coating with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder adds flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni 300g
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups milk 375ml
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated, 125g
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder optional
- 2 egg beaten⠀⠀
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs 200g
- neutral cooking oil for frying⠀⠀, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.⠀
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 min.⠀⠀
- Pour in the milk in stages, whisking between additions until it forms a thick sauce.
- Stir in the mustard powder (if using) and the cheese until it melts, then add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.⠀⠀
- Spread the pasta onto a cookie sheet lined with baking paper or oiled foil, and place in the fridge for 30 mins to set.⠀⠀
- Roll the mac n cheese into balls, then chill for another 30 mins.⠀⠀
- Dip each ball in the egg then coat in the breadcrumbs.⠀⠀
- Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan to 350°F / 180°C.⠀⠀
- 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
- Bake mac and cheese balls at 400°F for 10 minutes, turn, then bake 7 more minutes until golden.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 10 minutes for crispy coating.
- Use half heavy cream for a richer sauce when replacing milk.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or rice cakes instead of breadcrumbs.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.
- Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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