Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe You Should Try at Home

Mac and cheese is already considered the ultimate comfort dish, but what if you could make it even better? Enter deep fried mac and cheese balls. 

These bite-sized snacks have a creamy, cheesy interior wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. They're perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and fun to eat. 

And if you love frying but hold back because of the messy oil cleanup, we’ve got a hack that’ll change everything. From now on, post-frying cleanup will be a breeze, so you can concentrate on enjoying your delicious cheesy creations without the hassle! 

Ingredients for ​Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe 

To whip up a batch of fried mac and cheese balls, here’s what you’ll need: 

• 2 cups packaged/homemade mac and cheese (cooled) 

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra gooey centers) 

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

• 2 large eggs, beaten 

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko 

• Oil for frying (about 2-3 cups for deep frying) 

• FryAway Pan Fry for oil cleanup 

Get Ready Chef: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Recipe 

This recipe breaks all down step by step so you can enjoy a snack that's crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside! 

Start by making sure your mac and cheese is cold—this helps it hold its shape when you’re forming the bites.  

If you’re working with freshly made mac and cheese, pop it in the fridge for about an hour. For extra cheesiness, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese before chilling. 

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the chilled mac and cheese into small balls or cubes about 1.5 inches in size.  

Aim for uniform shapes so they fry evenly. If the mixture gets sticky, dampen your hands slightly to make shaping easier. 

Set up your coating station with three bowls: 

• Bowl 1: All-purpose flour 

• Bowl 2: Beaten eggs 

• Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs or panko 

Dust each mac and cheese ball with flour, ensuring it's evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg and roll it through breadcrumbs or panko until fully covered. If you're craving a super crunchy bite, give it another round of egg and breadcrumb coating for that perfect golden crust. 

Pour 2-3 cups of oil into a deep pan or skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is ready, gently place a few of the coated bites into the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. 

To drain any extra oil, move the fried bits to a dish covered with paper towels or a cooling rack. 

Cool, Dip, and Devour! 

Once your bites have cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or even spicy Sriracha mayo. These crunchy, gooey bites are guaranteed to disappear in seconds, so make plenty to share. 

Now To The Main Part - Put an End To Leftover Oil Troubles 

Frying is fun, but the leftover oil? Not so much. That’s where FryAway comes in, making cleanup a total breeze. This plant-based, non-toxic powder magically solidifies cooking oil, so you can toss it without spills or stress. 

How to Solidify Cooking Oil Very Easily? 

• While the oil is still warm, sprinkle in FryAway powder and stir until dissolved. 

• Let the oil cool; it will solidify cooking oil into a manageable, mess-free block. 

• Toss the solidified oil into the trash or compost, depending on your local waste guidelines. 

Cheesy Hacks for the Best Mac and Cheese Bites 

Want to switch things up? You can try these ideas: 

• Add Some Heat: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne for a spicy bite. 

• Meaty Upgrade: Mix in crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra flavor. 

• Cheese It Up: Experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations. 

• Go Extra Crunchy: Double-coat your bites with panko for an even crispier exterior. 

Fry, Snack, Repeat! 

Making deep fried mac and cheese balls at home is easy, fun, and oh-so-rewarding. With their crispy golden crust and gooey cheese center, they’re bound to be the star of any snack table. Plus, thanks to FryAway, you can enjoy frying without worrying about messy oil cleanup. 

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch, grab your favorite dip, and let the snacking begin.