Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Crispy fried mac and cheese balls combine tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella in a comforting bite-sized treat. The creamy mixture is chilled, rolled, and coated with seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch, then fried to a golden finish. Enjoy them piping hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and customize with bacon, jalapeño, or a touch of truffle oil. These are perfect crowd-pleasers, whether as appetizers, snacks, or an indulgent side dish.

Casey
Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:58:01 GMT
A plate of macaroni and cheese. Pin it
A plate of macaroni and cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Crispy fried mac and cheese balls are the snack everyone crowds around at parties in my house. Crunchy on the outside and creamy inside they turn an ordinary bowl of mac and cheese into a fun finger food you can dip and share. Whether you are using up leftovers or making mac and cheese just for this recipe you will not believe how quickly these disappear from the plate.

My family never leaves a single one behind I learned to double the batch after watching them vanish at my kid’s birthday sleepover.

Ingredients

  • Cooked elbow macaroni: gives that classic bite so make sure to undercook your pasta a bit so it stays firm in the balls
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: brings real cheesiness to every bite and makes a difference if you grate it fresh
  • Shredded mozzarella (optional): gives you that stretchy gooey factor kids love
  • Milk or heavy cream: makes the sauce extra silky use cream for extra decadence
  • Butter: always use real butter for flavor and that golden color
  • Salt and pepper: wake up all the cheesy flavor balance as you go
  • All purpose flour: helps the breadcrumbs stick and keeps everything sealed in
  • Large eggs: are your glue between the flour and the crispy crumbs
  • Breadcrumbs: for that crunchy coating Panko will make them much crunchier than regular breadcrumbs
  • Garlic powder and paprika or a pinch of cayenne (optional): make the crust sing
  • Vegetable oil: gives you even crispy frying use fresh oil for the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and let it foam then whisk in milk heavy cream and both cheeses whisking until completely smooth and thick This part takes about 5 minutes and is what gives that creamy cheesy center so do not rush
Mix with Pasta and Chill:
Once your cheese sauce is velvety stir in the cooked macaroni and make sure every pasta piece is coated Season well with salt and pepper Scoop into a wide dish and let cool fully before covering and chilling in the fridge for at least one hour This step lets you form firm balls that will not fall apart in the oil
Form the Mac and Cheese Balls:
After chilling use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out even amounts then roll them between your hands into balls about the size of a golf ball Place them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze for thirty minutes so they keep their shape
Set Up the Dredging Station:
Line up three shallow bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika Roll each mac and cheese ball first in flour then in egg then in breadcrumbs Make sure the balls are coated evenly Double dip for extra crunch if you like things super crispy
Fry Until Golden and Crispy:
Pour oil in a deep pan so it is a few inches deep and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Test with a thermometer or a pinch of breadcrumbs Carefully lower a few balls at a time into the hot oil and fry them for two to three minutes rolling them gently until every side is crunchy and golden Set onto paper towels to drain
Serve Hot With Sauce:
Once fried serve immediately while still piping hot with your choice of dipping sauces Ranch spicy aioli or classic marinara are my favorites
A stack of macaroni and cheese balls. Pin it
A stack of macaroni and cheese balls. | cookingwithcasey.com

The sharp cheddar is always my favorite part You get that punchy tang in every bite With my kids hovering around the stove as soon as the smell hits the kitchen there is never a dull or quiet moment when these are cooking

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge These mac and cheese balls keep fresh for up to three days If you want to freeze them lay the uncooked breaded balls on a tray until solid then store in a zip bag They go straight from freezer to hot oil or air fryer which means snacktime is just minutes away

Ingredient Substitutions

No mozzarella on hand no problem Any melty cheese works Colby Monterey Jack or a bit of cream cheese can all blend into the sauce You can add a little smoked gouda for depth or use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs if someone needs it

Serving Suggestions

Crispy mac and cheese balls are made for dunking Serve with a trio of sauces for everyone to try Marinara and buffalo ranch are classics but honey mustard or a garlicky yogurt dip is amazing too I even tuck them into lunch boxes or send out a tray at movie night

Cultural Context

These crunchy bites are a Southern fair staple made popular at state fairs in the early 2000s but versions of fried pasta and cheese go way back I first tried them at a local restaurant and after much at home testing came up with this version that rivals anything you can buy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the cheese balls from falling apart during frying?

Chill the formed balls thoroughly before breading and freezing them briefly. This helps them hold their shape while frying.

→ Can I make these using leftover macaroni and cheese?

Yes, leftover macaroni works well. Chill it, form into balls, then proceed with breading and frying steps.

→ Is it possible to use the oven or air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or bake in a hot oven, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these balls?

Marinara, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli are delicious options that complement the flavors nicely.

→ What variations can I try for extra flavor?

Add crumbled bacon, jalapeños, hot sauce, or truffle oil to the cheese mixture for flavorful twists.

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese

Golden, crunchy macaroni balls filled with creamy cheese, perfect for parties or comfort food cravings.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (18 to 20 mac and cheese balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Mac and Cheese Base

01 200 g cooked elbow macaroni (approximately 100 g uncooked)
02 150 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 60 g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
04 120 ml whole milk or heavy cream
05 28 g unsalted butter
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste

→ Coating

08 125 g all-purpose flour
09 2 large eggs, beaten
10 90 g panko breadcrumbs
11 0.5 g garlic powder (optional)
12 0.5 g paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Frying

13 Vegetable oil, sufficient for deep or shallow frying

Instructions

Step 01

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk and both cheeses, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and mix thoroughly to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer the mixture into a shallow dish and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until fully set.

Step 02

Using a scoop or your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese mixture into balls approximately 4 cm in diameter. Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to help retain their shape during frying.

Step 03

Set three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika or cayenne. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For maximum crispiness, double dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Step 04

Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or skillet to 175°C. Fry 3–4 balls at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 05

Present the crispy mac and cheese balls hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Notes

  1. For a gourmet variation, stir crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, truffle oil, or hot sauce into the mac and cheese mixture before chilling.
  2. Air frying at 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway and spritzing with oil, yields excellent results with less fat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Shallow dish
  • Slotted spoon
  • Deep saucepan or skillet
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and egg ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 326
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 10 g