Best 7 Deep Fried Mac Cheese Shells Recipes

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Are you in search of a lip-smacking, crispy, and gooey deep-fried mac and cheese recipe that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! This article will guide you through the culinary journey of creating an unforgettable deep-fried mac and cheese dish that will be the star of any gathering. From selecting the perfect pasta shells to preparing an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce, we'll unveil the secrets of achieving the ultimate flavor and texture in each bite. Get ready to embark on a delectable adventure as we delve into the art of deep-frying mac and cheese, transforming it into an extraordinary symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing for joy.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

DEEP FRIED MAC AND CHEESE



Deep Fried Mac and Cheese image

A decadent treat that your family will love.

Provided by Paula Deen

Categories     cheesy     comfort food     Country Cooking     southern     vegetarian

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

plain breadcrumbs, for dredging
flour, for dredging
1 egg beaten
peanut oil, for frying
3 eggs, beaten
4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy Dutch oven to 350 °F.
  • Dredge each Cheesy Mac portion in flour, then egg, and then bread crumbs to coat. Fry for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 350 °F.
  • Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot, add the cheddar. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese, if desired.

DEEP-FRIED MAC & CHEESE SHELLS



Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells image

I created this deep-fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as "unbelievably delicious" because of the crispy deep-fried coating and the creamy richness on the inside. -Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 1h

Yield 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked small pasta shells
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided
2 large eggs
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

  • Cook pastas separately according to package directions for al dente; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add Velveeta, cheddar cheese, cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from heat., In another large saucepan, combine small pasta shells and half of the cheese mixture; set aside. For dipping sauce, stir 1 cup milk into remaining cheese mixture; keep warm., In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with remaining milk. In another shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Fill each large shell with scant 1/4 cup pasta mixture. Dip in flour to coat all sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in bread crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In an electric skillet or a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shells, a few at a time, 1-2 minutes on each side or until dark golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 23g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

DEEP-FRIED MAC & CHEESE SHELLS



Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells image

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. -Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 1h

Yield 20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked small pasta shells
20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1-1/4 cups 2% milk, divided
2 large eggs
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Oil for deep-fat frying

Steps:

  • Cook pastas separately according to their package directions for al dente; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add Velveeta, cheddar cheese, cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from heat., In another large saucepan, combine small pasta shells and half the cheese mixture; set aside. For dipping sauce, stir 1 cup milk into remaining cheese mixture; keep warm., In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with remaining milk. In another shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Fill each large shell with scant 1/4 cup pasta mixture. Dip in flour to coat all sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in bread crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In an electric skillet or a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shells, a few at a time, 1-2 minutes on each side or until dark golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 23g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BALLS



Fried Mac and Cheese Balls image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 12h35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, warmed, plus 2 tablespoons for egg wash
1 pound grated Cheddar
1 pound grated smoked Gouda
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara or Alfredo sauce, to serve

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.

FRIED MAC AND CHEESE BALLS



Fried Mac and Cheese Balls image

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

1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
¾ cup pimento cheese spread
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
4 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed

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

FRIED MACARONI-AND-CHEESE BITES



Fried Macaroni-and-Cheese Bites image

Make way for little squares of heaven -- these fried morsels are sure to be voted most popular at any party. You can (and should) prepare the stovetop macaroni and cheese a few days ahead, since it will firm up in the refrigerator, for easier cutting. Then follow a two-step breading process, using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crust that's crisp yet light. Don't be put off by the yield; the squares fry quickly, in three or four batches, and you can reheat replenishments over the course of the evening -- whenever the platter is wiped clean (which will be often).This recipe originally appeared in "Martha Stewart's Appetizers" (Clarkson Potter).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes about 10 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 10

Coarse salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
4 3/4 cups grated white cheddar cheese (about 14 ounces), room temperature
1/2 to 3/4 cup safflower oil, for frying, plus more for parchment
4 large eggs
2 cups panko

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions; drain.
  • In pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden and has a nutty aroma, about 4 minutes. Whisking constantly, slowly add milk. Cook, whisking along bottom of pot, until boiling, about 7 minutes. Reduce heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the mustard powder, and cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is smooth; season with salt. Add macaroni to sauce, and stir to combine.
  • Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment; brush parchment lightly with oil. Spread macaroni mixture evenly in dish. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 8 hours.
  • Invert set macaroni and cheese onto a cutting board and remove parchment. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.
  • Whisk eggs in a shallow dish. In a shallow dish, season panko with salt. Dip macaroni squares, a few at a time, in eggs, allowing excess to drip off into dish, then roll in panko mixture to coat completely. Transfer to a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium until shimmering. Working in batches, add coated squares in a single layer (do not crowd pan); cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are crisp and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined rack to drain and cool slightly. Wipe skillet clean. Repeat process with more oil and remaining squares. Serve warm.

FRIED MAC 'N' CHEESE STICKS RECIPE BY TASTY



Fried Mac 'n' Cheese Sticks Recipe by Tasty image

America's favorite comfort food gets an upgrade in this mac 'n' cheese variation that you can easily make by just adding a few steps to your usual pasta prep. Serve it as finger food, an appetizer, or simply an indulgent dinner dish paired with tomato soup.

Provided by Hector Gomez

Categories     Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 30 sticks

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 oz elbow pasta
4 tablespoons butter
2 ¼ cups flour, divided
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a medium pot and cook the elbow pasta. Stir occasionally for 7 minutes, or until al dente.
  • In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely and whisk in ¼ cup flour for 2 minutes to create a light roux. Add the milk and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce fully thickens. Gradually add the cheese and stir until fully combined. Finally, add the cooked pasta and stir until the noodles are well-coated.
  • Remove the mac 'n' cheese from the heat and pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread evenly and freeze for 2 hours.
  • Heat the oil in a large pot until it reaches 325°F (170°C).
  • Cut the frozen mac 'n' cheese into roughly 3-inch long sticks. Dredge the sticks in the remaining 2 cups flour, then the egg, and then the bread crumbs. Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 1 gram

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese, but you can use any type of pasta that you like. Just be sure to cook it al dente, so that it still has a little bite to it.
  • Make sure your cheese sauce is thick and creamy. You can use a variety of cheeses to make your cheese sauce, but be sure to use a good quality cheese that melts well. You can also add other ingredients to your cheese sauce, such as bacon, ham, or vegetables.
  • Coat the mac and cheese shells in breadcrumbs before frying. This will help them to get crispy and golden brown.
  • Fry the mac and cheese shells in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain them on paper towels before serving.
  • Serve the mac and cheese shells with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, ketchup, or barbecue sauce are all great options.

Conclusion:

Deep-fried mac and cheese shells are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They're perfect for parties or potlucks, and they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for something new and exciting to make, give deep-fried mac and cheese shells a try. You won't be disappointed!

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