Mac And Cheese Balls: Fry Without The Fat

Mac and cheese balls are a delicious snack, perfect for parties or as a side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft, creamy, and cheesy on the inside. This ultimate comfort food can be made in an air fryer or baked in the oven, and does not always require deep frying. The key to making mac and cheese balls is to have the mixture firm and cold before shaping it into balls and coating it with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips. The balls are then fried or baked until golden and crispy.

How to make the mac and cheese mixture

The first step in making mac and cheese balls is to prepare the mac and cheese mixture. This can be done by following these simple steps:

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. You will need macaroni, butter, milk, shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses), and seasonings like salt and pepper. You can also add in some extra cheese, such as shredded mozzarella, to make the mixture extra cheesy.

Cook the Macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Stir in the butter, milk, and any cheese packets that came with the macaroni.

Add the Cheese

While the macaroni is still hot, add in the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the macaroni. You can also add in some extra cheese at this stage to make the mixture extra cheesy.

Refrigerate the Mixture

Once you have a creamy mac and cheese mixture, it's time to refrigerate it. Transfer the mixture to a container and place it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 hours, or until it is firm. This step is crucial as it will help the mac and cheese balls hold their shape during the frying process.

Form the Balls

After the mac and cheese mixture has chilled, it's time to form it into balls. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also freeze the balls at this stage for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape even better.

Now that you have your mac and cheese mixture ready, it's time to bread and fry the balls!

How to form the mixture into balls

To form the mixture into balls, you'll need to refrigerate the macaroni and cheese mixture first. This will make it easier to shape. The mixture should be chilled for at least 2 hours, but preferably longer—even overnight, if possible.

Once the mixture is chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to shape it into balls. You can also use your hands, but this will be messier. Aim for a size of around 1.5 inches in diameter. If you're having trouble getting the balls to hold their shape, try freezing the mixture for 15-30 minutes beforehand.

Place the shaped balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the freezer while you prepare the coating.

How to coat the balls

To coat the mac and cheese balls, you will need to set up a dredging station. This will involve three separate bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder. In the second bowl, whisk a couple of eggs. In the third bowl, place your seasoned breadcrumbs.

Take each mac and cheese ball and dip it first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the ball with the breadcrumbs, pressing them into the macaroni ball to create a solid crust. Repeat this process for all the mac and cheese balls.

How to cook the balls without a deep fryer

If you don't have a deep fryer, you can still cook mac and cheese balls in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Here are the general steps:

• First, prepare your mac and cheese mixture and refrigerate it for several hours until it is firm.
• Next, form the mixture into balls, approximately 1-2 inches in size. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape them. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Then, set up a dredging station with a shallow bowl of beaten eggs and another shallow bowl of breadcrumbs (you can use regular, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs).
• Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
• Heat vegetable oil or another neutral oil (such as canola or peanut oil) in your large pot or Dutch oven to around 350°F to 375°F. You can use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Fry the mac and cheese balls in small batches, cooking for about 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the balls from the oil with tongs and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh chives if desired, and your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for success:

• Make sure your mac and cheese mixture is well-chilled before forming it into balls. This will help them hold their shape during frying.
• If your mac and cheese mixture is too soft to form into balls, try adding a little extra shredded cheese to help bind it together. You can also freeze the balls for a few minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
• Don't overcrowd the pot when frying, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and affect the crispiness of the balls.
• If you prefer not to deep-fry, you can bake the mac and cheese balls in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Spritz them with cooking spray before baking to promote browning.

How to serve the balls

Once you've made your mac and cheese balls, you'll want to serve them warm, as this is when they are at their very best. However, they are also delicious at room temperature.

These balls are perfect as they are, but if you're a fan of dips, you can serve them with a side of homemade ranch dressing, marinara sauce, salsa, or BBQ sauce.

If you're serving them as a snack at a party, you could also provide a few different dips and let your guests choose their favourite.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, mac and cheese balls can be served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy, fried chicken.

So, whether you're enjoying them as a snack or a meal, these delicious, crispy, cheesy balls are sure to be a hit!

Frequently asked questions