Super Bowl Fried Mac and Cheese Balls (Printer-friendly)
Golden, crispy balls with creamy mac and cheese inside and crunchy panko coating. Ideal for game day entertaining and snacking.
# What you'll need:
→ Mac and Cheese Base
01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Breading Station
11 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 2 tablespoons milk
14 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Frying
16 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
# Method:
01 - Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
03 - Gradually whisk in milk while stirring continuously. Cook until sauce thickens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni. Spread mixture evenly in a baking dish. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until firm.
06 - Scoop chilled mac and cheese mixture using a measuring spoon (approximately 2 tablespoons per portion) and roll gently between palms to form uniform balls.
07 - Arrange three shallow bowls in sequence: first bowl contains all-purpose flour, second bowl contains beaten eggs mixed with 2 tablespoons milk, third bowl contains panko breadcrumbs combined with smoked paprika.
08 - Coat each ball by rolling in flour, dipping in egg mixture, then coating thoroughly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place breaded balls on a lined tray.
09 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
10 - Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry mac and cheese balls for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
11 - Serve warm immediately with preferred dipping sauce options including ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between the crispy exterior and that gooey, stretchy cheese pull when you take that first bite will make your eyes roll back in pure pleasure.
- You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture a day ahead, making game day assembly so much less stressful when youre juggling multiple dishes.
02 -
- If your mac and cheese isnt thoroughly chilled and firm, the balls will completely fall apart in the hot oil, leaving you with an oily, cheesy mess and nothing to serve.
- Using the freezer for 15-20 minutes after forming the balls but before breading them creates an extra insurance policy against breakage during frying.
03 -
- Adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce creates an even more luxurious texture that helps the filling stay extra creamy after frying.
- For the most consistent size and shape, use a small ice cream scoop or cookie dough scoop to portion out the mac and cheese before rolling into balls.