Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the perfect baked mac and cheese balls. These delectable treats offer a crispy outer shell that gives way to a gooey, cheesy center. Whether you're hosting a party or simply seeking a comforting snack, this article provides an array of mouthwatering recipes that cater to diverse preferences. Let's dive into the world of baked mac and cheese balls, uncovering the secrets to achieving culinary excellence.
Let's cook with our recipes!
FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
A fun and easy recipe that the kids and guests will love! It's super cheesy and absolutely one of my faves. No need for spoons with this mac dish!!
Provided by erinrhodes813
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 7h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain. Stir in the 2 tablespoons butter, the 1/4 cup milk, and the cheese packet from the package.
- While the macaroni is still hot, stir in the Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend, and continue to stir until melted. Place the macaroni and cheese mixture in a container and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator, and, using a cookie scoop, scoop into balls. Place mac balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Whisk the bread crumbs with the paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, and cayenne in a shallow dish; set aside. Beat the eggs with the 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl. Remove the mac balls from the freezer, coat in the egg wash, and then dredge in breading.
- Fry the mac balls in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate; serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.2 calories, Carbohydrate 42.1 g, Cholesterol 146.5 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 1204 mg, Sugar 6.9 g
MAC AND CHEESE BALLS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, red leicester, salt, pepper, eggs, breadcrumb
Provided by Tasty
Categories Appetizers
Yield 25 balls
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil water, add macaroni and cook until al dente
- Melt butter in a pan and mix 2 tsp flour into it.
- Add the milk gradually.
- Add both cheeses and cook until melted and the sauce is thick
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni and thoroughly cover.
- Refrigerate mixture for one hour.
- Take mixture out and form into balls on another plate.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Dip the solid balls in egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
- Fry in hot pan of oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 247 calories, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 1 gram
BAKED "NOT FRIED" MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
This traditionally fired appetizer is now a bit healthier for you, in this delicious baked version! These are great served with marianara sauce for dipping! Note: The prep time does not include the overnight chilling of the mac and cheese
Provided by carebear18
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h
Yield 4-6 balls, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- The night before you would like to make this dish, cook the box mix of mac and cheese according to the directions on the box. Pour the mac and cheese into an 8 x8, 9x9 or and flat pan in the refrigerator to set overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Line three bowls on the counter.
- In the first bowl, combine flour, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In the second bowl, break the egg and slightly scramble it.
- In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and wheat bran.
- Take the chilled mac and cheese out of the refrigerator and cut into 1 x 1 inches blocks. Don't try for perfection, because it won't happen. Just as long as the noodles are sticking together it will work out fine.
- Now drudge the mac and cheese ball into the flour mixture, then egg, then breadcrumbs, and place on a pan.
- Continue the process until you have created as many mac and cheese balls as you wish.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending upon how crusty you like them. And remember to flip the balls around every 10 minutes to make sure all sides cook evenly.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.5, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 35.6, Sodium 648.2, Carbohydrate 77.4, Fiber 4.8, Sugar 7.6, Protein 16.1
FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
Steps:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the butter and stir it with a whisk. Cook for 2 minutes. Whisk the warmed milk into the flour mixture, working out any lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper. Fold the cheese sauce into macaroni. Pour the mac and cheese into a shallow pan and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
- Shape the cold mac and cheese into meatball-sized balls and place them onto a waxed paper-lined tray. Freeze the balls overnight.
- Beat the eggs and 2 tablespoons milk together to form an egg wash and pour it into a shallow bowl. Put the bread crumbs into another shallow bowl. Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer. Dip the frozen balls into the egg wash then into the bread crumbs. Put the balls back into the freezer until you are ready to fry.
- Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 350 degrees F. Fry the mac and cheese balls until they are golden brown and center is hot, about 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite marinara or Alfredo sauce or combination or both for dipping.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your mac and cheese balls. Use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.
- Don't overcook the macaroni: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it will become too mushy.
- Use a generous amount of sauce: The sauce is what holds the mac and cheese balls together, so don't be afraid to use a lot of it. You can use your favorite mac and cheese sauce recipe, or you can use a store-bought sauce.
- Chill the mac and cheese mixture before forming the balls: This will help the balls hold their shape better when they are baking.
- Coat the mac and cheese balls in breadcrumbs before baking: This will help them get golden brown and crispy.
- Bake the mac and cheese balls at a high temperature: This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
Conclusion:
Baked mac and cheese balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be served as a main course. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect mac and cheese balls every time.
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