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 the delightful combination of macaroni and cheese balls during a family gathering. After perfecting the recipe over the years, I found that these crispy bites are a beloved favorite. They bring back memories of childhood comfort food while allowing me to impress guests at gatherings."

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen, I specialize in American cuisine, particularly appetizers. I’ve developed a passion for creating unique and mouthwatering snacks that everyone can enjoy. My culinary journey has led me to explore and reinvent classic recipes.

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

Why This Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls Recipe Works

This recipe works because it perfectly balances creamy cheese and a crunchy exterior. The combination of various cheeses enhances the flavor and texture, making each bite a delight. Plus, they’re easy to make and are a great way to use leftover macaroni and cheese.

The technique of frying in hot oil ensures that the exterior gets that perfect crispy texture while the inside remains gooey and cheesy. This method also allows the balls to develop a rich golden color, making them visually appealing.

💡 Professional Tip

For extra crunch, consider double coating the balls in breadcrumbs. You can also chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time. After forming them, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This will help the flavors meld and save you time when you're ready to serve.

If you don't have mozzarella, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or gouda. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor to your cheese balls.

The cheese balls are done when they achieve a golden brown color on the outside and are heated through. You can test one by cutting it open to ensure the cheese is melted inside.

Yes, you can freeze the formed but un-fried macaroni cheese balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be fried straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These cheese balls pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal.

Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to fry them, which allows for the best texture and flavor.

The best way to reheat the cheese balls is to place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. An air fryer also works well to maintain their crispiness.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cheese balls come out dry, it could be due to overcooking or not enough cheese in the mixture.

Solution: To remedy this, add a little more cream cheese or shredded cheese into the mixture next time, and ensure you fry them just until golden brown.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the cheese balls aren’t crispy, they may not have been coated well in breadcrumbs or the oil temperature was too low.

Solution: Ensure that you coat the balls evenly and maintain the oil temperature at 350°F while frying for the best crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cheese balls can become hard and lose their cheesy center.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on them while frying, and remove them as soon as they are golden brown.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the cheese balls is undercooked, they may not have spent enough time in the oil.

Recovery: Make sure to fry them long enough, and if needed, reduce the heat slightly to allow them to cook through without burning the exterior.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior is burnt, the oil temperature may have been too high.

Prevention: Lower the oil temperature and ensure to fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the cheese balls taste too sweet, consider reducing the amount of cream cheese next time.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, balance with a mild dip or sauce.

Bland: {{troubleshoot_6_bland}}

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Key ingredients include a mix of cheeses, elbow macaroni, and breadcrumbs. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates a perfect flavor profile, while the breadcrumbs give that satisfying crunch. Using high-quality cheeses yields the best results.

It's important to use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Ensure your cheeses are freshly shredded for the best melting qualities, and use quality pasta to achieve the right texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a rich and tangy flavor that stands out. The sharper the cheese, the more intense the taste, enhancing the overall dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture that pulls apart beautifully when you bite into the cheese ball. This will create a delightful stretch and creamy mouthfeel.
  • Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for extra crunch. They are lighter and provide a crispier exterior compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Cooking process for Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process involves boiling, mixing, forming, and frying. Each step is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the cooking experience. The key is to ensure that the macaroni is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

Achieving perfect results means frying at the correct temperature and monitoring the cooking time closely. This ensures that the cheese balls are crispy on the outside but still cheesy and warm on the inside.

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

The most important technique is to keep the oil at a consistent temperature while frying. Too hot, and the exterior burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and they absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.

Crispy Macaroni Cheese Balls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy cream
    For a creamy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    To taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
    Cooked and drained
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
    Shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
    Shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For added flavor
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    Beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For coating
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    For coating

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni

    In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Make the Cheese Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Mix in the cooked macaroni.

  3. Add Eggs and Seasoning

    Add the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese and macaroni mixture. Stir until well combined.

  4. Form the Balls

    Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.

  5. Coat the Balls

    Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  6. Heat Oil

    In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.

  7. Fry the Balls

    Fry the cheese balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

  8. Serve

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven to maintain their crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy delights with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dip, or a spicy aioli. Pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Adding herbs or spices to the mixture can also enhance the taste.