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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Mac and Cheese Balls

    Published: Sep 16, 2020 · Modified: Oct 6, 2020 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    Mac and Cheese Balls make a tasty side dish, appetizer or finger food! All the great taste of macaroni cheese, but in crispy bites for a fun twist on the classic recipe. They can be fried, baked or air fried.

    Plate of macaroni cheese balls, with bbq dip and two balls cut open.

    Comfort food - with a twist!

    Mac and Cheese Balls are a fun way to enjoy the comfort food classic. You can use leftover macaroni cheese, or make it fresh.

    In this recipe, mac and cheese is rolled into balls, coated with breadcrumbs and fried. It gives them a crispy exterior with a soft, gooey, cheesy centre. Serious food bliss.

    We serve it as a side dish or as an appetizer. It's also a great bite-sized finger food for a party - just put them on cocktail sticks.

    You can make the cheesy mac fresh, or use leftovers!

    This is one of those recipes that my kids cheer for. Seriously.

    They absolutely adore macaroni and cheese (hey, what kid doesn't?), but always ask me to make extra so we can turn the leftovers into mac n cheese balls.

    I'm always happy to. This is soooo quick and easy to make using up leftover mac n cheese.

    Just roll, chill, coat and fry. Voila - Mac and Cheese Bites that the whole family will love.

    And the kids love love love rolling up the balls. Almost as much as eating them.

    Almost.

    Cut open mac n cheese ball in front of a plate of them.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Use up leftover macaroni and cheese, or make a fresh batch from scratch.

    A fun way to serve the classic comfort food.

    Perfect as a side, finger food or appetizer.

    Try it for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Thanksgiving as an alternative side dish to the usual macaroni and cheese.

    This recipe is a perfect game day recipe for Superbowl or a tailgate party.

    Switch up the flavors by providing a variety of dips.

    Fried Mac n Cheese Bites

    I don't deep fry very often, but every now and again a recipe comes along that makes you just want to heat up a pot of oil.

    You can make this recipe in an air fryer or baked in the oven, but I usually just go for it and deep fry them!

    They get evenly crispy on the outside, and lovely and creamy soft inside. Bliss!

    But don't worry if you want to make them healthier - you can bake them or cook them in an air fryer too.

    Plate of mac n cheese balls with bowl of bbq sauce.

    Serving suggestions

    Serve these fried macaroni and cheese bites on their own, or with dip!

    French Onion Dip

    Sriracha Aioli

    Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Homemade Ketchup

    Tartar Sauce

    Step by step tutorial

    This recipe is really easy. Seriously. Just follow these step by step instructions on how to make mac and cheese balls for perfect results.

    Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

    Collage, image 1 is pasta boiling, image 2 is a pot with melted butter and flour.

    Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
    Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pot and add the flour.

    Collage. Image 1 is a pot with melted butter mixed with flour. Image 2 is a pot of white sauce.

    Whisk the flour into the butter and cook for 1 minute.

    Add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick sauce.

    Collage: Image 1 is cheese in a white sauce. Image 2 is a cheese sauce.

    Stir in the cheese and mustard powder (if using).

    Stir and heat until the cheese melts.

    Collage: 1 is mac and cheese in a bowl. 2 is it spread on a baking sheet.

    Mix the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni.

    Spread the mixture into a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Collage: 1 is mac and cheese balls. 2 is bowls of egg and breadcrumbs.

    Roll the mac n cheese into balls, then chill for another 30 mins.

    Prepare a bowl each of breadcrumbs and beaten egg.

    Collage: 1 is mac and cheese balls dipped in egg. 2 is them being deep fried.

    Roll each ball in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumbs.

    Heat the oil in a large pan and carefully add each ball to the hot oil with a slotted metal spoon and fry the balls, in batches, for about 1 minute each or until golden. Drain on paper towel.

    Cooking methods

    Deep fried

    Heat the oil in a large pot to 355°F / 180°C.

    Carefully, lower the balls into the oil (with a metal slotted spoon) and fry the balls, in batches, for about 1 minute each or until golden.

    Remove and drain on paper towel.

    Oven baked

    Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C.

    Line a cookie sheet with baking paper or foil and lightly grease it with oil.

    Place the prepared balls on it and bake for 10 minutes, then turn them all over and cook for another 7 minutes or until they're golden all over.

    Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 'bake' or 375°F / 190°C.

    Add the balls to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the bites get golden and crispy all over.

    Fork in a mac n cheese ball, on a plate of them.

    Variations

    Swap half the milk for heavy cream (double cream) for a super creamy cheese sauce.

    Add some chilli flakes to the macaroni and cheese for a little heat.

    Instead of breadcrumbs or panko, roll the balls in crushed crackers, cornflakes or cheese crackers.

    For gluten-free mac and cheese bites - use gluten-free elbow macaroni, flour and breadcrumbs.
    TIP: I love using crushed rice cakes instead of gluten-free breadcrumbs.

    Try adding dried herbs to the breadcrumbs before rolling for extra flavor. 1 teaspoon each thyme and rosemary would be delicious. Garlic powder would be great too.

    More finger food recipes

    If you love serving Mac and Cheese Bites at parties, you'll love serving these other finger food recipes too!

    Herb & Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

    Caponata alla Siciliana Crostini

    Polenta Fries

    Get the recipe

    Veggie Desserts Cookbook by Kate Hackworthy

    Check out the Veggie Desserts + Cakes cookbook on Amazon

    Plate of fried macaroni and cheese balls with bowl of barbecue sauce.

    Mac and Cheese Balls⠀⠀

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    Mac and Cheese Balls make a tasty side dish, appetizer or party food! All the great taste of macaroni cheese, but in crispy bites for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
    5 from 5 votes
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Chilling time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Course Appetizer, Finger Food, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15
    Calories 160 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Cookie sheet
    • Slotted spoon
    • stove
    • Fridge

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups (300g) elbow macaroni
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 2 tablespoon flour
    • 1 ½ cups (375ml) milk
    • 1 cup (125g) grated cheddar cheese
    • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
    • 2 eggs beaten⠀⠀
    • 1 ½ cups (200g) breadcrumbs
    • Oil for frying⠀⠀

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.⠀
    • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 min.⠀⠀
    • Pour in the milk in stages, whisking between additions until it forms a thick sauce.
    • Stir in the mustard powder (if using) and the cheese until it melts, then add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.⠀⠀
    • Spread the pasta onto a cookie sheet lined with baking paper or oiled foil, and place in the fridge for 30 mins to set.⠀⠀
    • Roll the mac n cheese into balls, then chill for another 30 mins.⠀⠀
    • Dip each ball in the egg then coat in the breadcrumbs.⠀⠀
    • Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan to 350°F / 180°C.⠀⠀
    • Add the balls to the hot oil carefully, using a slotted spoon and fry the balls, in batches, for about 1 minute each or until golden. Drain on paper towel.

    Video

    Notes

    Oven baked
    Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper or foil and lightly grease it with oil. Place the prepared balls on it and bake for 10 minutes, then turn them all over and cook for another 7 minutes or until they're golden all over.
    Air Fryer
    Set the air fryer to 'bake' or 375°F / 190°C. Add the balls to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy all over.
    Variations
    Swap half the milk for heavy cream (double cream) for a super creamy cheese sauce.
    Add some chilli flakes to the macaroni and cheese for a little heat.
    Instead of breadcrumbs or panko, roll the balls in crushed crackers, cornflakes or cheese crackers.
    For gluten-free mac n cheese bites - use gluten-free elbow macaroni, flour and breadcrumbs. TIP: I love using crushed rice cakes instead of gluten-free breadcrumbs.
    Try adding dried herbs to the breadcrumbs before rolling for extra flavor. 1 teaspoon each thyme and rosemary would be delicious. Garlic powder would be great too.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 111mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 140IUCalcium: 88mgIron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Zucchini and Corn Fritters
    • Zucchini Chips
    • Easy Baked Polenta Fries
    • Broad Bean Salad
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marian

      December 05, 2021 at 6:23 pm

      I want to make these for a Christmas gathering, but serving them warm is not convenient. Will they be good ar room temperature or possibly 1 hour out of the oven?

      Reply
    2. Lesa

      September 16, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      Very creative, have to make this for my niece and nephew. They are going to live it.

      Reply
    3. Shelley

      September 16, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, what a fun recipe! Brilliant idea to make extra mac and cheese when you're making some anyway, so you can turn the extra into these yummy little balls! Oh - and thanks for including the oven and air fryer instructions, too - I'm always excited to find little tweaks to keep things healthier!

      Reply
    4. Dannii

      September 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Now this is my kind of comfort food.

      Reply
    5. Nart at Cooking with Nart

      September 16, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      OMG, these look so satisfying! I mean, mac and cheese is already amazing...but mac and cheese balls! Can't wait to try them!

      Reply
    6. Sue

      September 16, 2020 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      These look amazing! It's always a challenge to have kid-friendly selections on an appetizer buffet. These should do the trick for sure! Pretty sure the adults will go for them too LOL.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Easter Recipes

    • Easter Rice Krispie Nests
    • Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
    • Mushroom Wellington
    • Nut Roast

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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