Chef Mitchell preparing Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered my love for crispy macaroni cheese balls during my culinary training, where I experimented with different textures and flavors. After numerous trials, I perfected this recipe, ensuring a deliciously cheesy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior. It's now a staple at parties and family gatherings, bringing joy to everyone who tastes it. I love watching people's faces light up as they take their first bite!"

As a culinary expert with deep roots in American cuisine, I specialize in creating comfort food favorites. My passion lies in revamping traditional recipes into modern delights, ensuring they are both nostalgic and appealing to today's palates. With a wealth of experience in creating appetizers, I'm excited to share this beloved recipe.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls served on a plate

Why This Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls Recipe Works

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines the beloved flavors of macaroni and cheese in a fun, bite-sized form. The balance of cheeses creates a rich, creamy filling, while the crispy breadcrumb coating adds a satisfying crunch. They are perfect for parties, game days, or just as a comforting snack.

The technique of frying ensures that each ball is evenly cooked and achieves golden perfection. The key is to maintain the oil temperature, which allows for a super crispy exterior while keeping the center gooey and cheesy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality bites at home.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use a combination of cheeses for depth of flavor. Aged cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a delightful mix that elevates the dish. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that signature crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the macaroni balls ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to a month. To cook, fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

If you prefer, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both options will provide creaminess, although the flavor may vary slightly. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain the overall taste of the dish.

The macaroni cheese balls are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can test the oil temperature with a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and turns golden in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Absolutely! Freezing is a great option for meal prep. Prepare the macaroni balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and freeze before frying. Once frozen, they can be cooked directly from the freezer, making them a convenient snack or appetizer any time.

These delicious bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. For a complete snack platter, consider serving alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a refreshing dip.

Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve their flavor and texture. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and frying. This makes it easy to whip up a batch whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious snack.

The best way to reheat these balls is in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your macaroni cheese balls are dry, it could be due to overcooking or insufficient cream cheese.

Solution: To prevent dryness, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overcooking during frying. Consider adding a bit more cream cheese for extra moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the exterior of your macaroni balls isn't crispy, it may be due to low oil temperature.

Solution: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the balls. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to sogginess.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked macaroni cheese balls can become hard and unappetizing.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep a close eye on the frying process, and use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Remove them promptly when they reach a golden color.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the inside of the macaroni cheese balls remains cold or gooey, they may not have cooked long enough.

Recovery: Ensure the oil temperature is correct and fry in smaller batches to allow even cooking. You can finish them in the oven for a few minutes if needed.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the balls is burnt but the inside is undercooked, the oil may be too hot.

Prevention: Lower the heat of the oil and fry at a more controlled temperature to achieve an even cook throughout.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your macaroni cheese balls taste too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to balance it out.

Too Salty: For overly salty balls, you can add a bit of extra cream cheese or serve with a sweet dipping sauce to counterbalance the flavors.

Bland: To enhance the flavor of bland macaroni balls, consider adding more spices or herbs to the mixture before frying.

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

The key ingredients for these macaroni cheese balls are macaroni, three types of cheese, and seasonings. The combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy filling that melts beautifully when cooked.

Using high-quality cheeses enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Opt for freshly grated cheese when possible, as pre-packaged options may contain anti-clumping agents that affect melting.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Macaroni: Use elbow macaroni for the perfect bite-sized texture. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the cheese and fried.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor. It melts well and provides the classic macaroni and cheese taste that everyone loves.
  • Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest exterior, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Cooking process for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls is a straightforward process that involves mixing, shaping, breading, and frying. Each step is simple and can be done in less than an hour, making these balls a great choice for any quick snack or gathering.

To achieve perfect results, ensure your oil is the right temperature and don’t overcrowd the frying pan. This will help each ball fry evenly, resulting in a beautifully crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior.

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

The secret to achieving the perfect crispy macaroni cheese balls lies in the frying technique. Ensuring the oil is at the right temperature before frying helps to seal the coating quickly, creating a golden crust while keeping the inside deliciously gooey. Maintain even frying temperatures by working in small batches.

Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    For thickening
  • 1 cup milk
    Warm
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    To taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    Flavor enhancement

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked macaroni
    Al dente
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Sharp
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1/4 cup milk
    To bind
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    For coating
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    Flavor boost
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    Complementary flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    For color
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Seasoning
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • Oil for frying
    Vegetable or canola
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

  2. Form the Balls

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. Prepare the Breading

    In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs. In another bowl, place breadcrumbs. Dip each macaroni ball into the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

  4. Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  5. Fry the Balls

    Carefully add the macaroni balls to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

  6. Drain and Cool

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish the crispy macaroni cheese balls with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover crispy macaroni cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious macaroni cheese balls are best served warm with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. Pair them with a colorful veggie platter for a complete appetizer spread.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with your crispy macaroni cheese balls! You can add cooked bacon bits, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even different types of cheese for diverse flavors. Experiment with herbs and spices to make them uniquely yours.