Best 2 Baked Not Fried Mac And Cheese Balls Recipes

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**Baked Not Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: A Culinary Symphony of Creamy Goodness**

Indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with our irresistible baked mac and cheese balls. These golden-brown spheres of cheesy bliss are a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a crispy panko crust that gives way to a creamy, gooey interior of macaroni and cheese. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, enveloped in a blanket of crispy panko breadcrumbs.

**Explore a World of Mac and Cheese Ball Variations:**

1. **Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Balls:** Experience the timeless flavors of classic mac and cheese, elevated in a ball form. These balls deliver a comforting blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, coated in golden panko breadcrumbs.

2. **Loaded Mac and Cheese Balls:** Elevate your mac and cheese balls with a medley of flavorful additions. Bacon, crumbled sausage, or diced jalapeños bring an extra layer of savory goodness, while diced tomatoes or chopped spinach add a pop of vibrant color and freshness.

3. **Buffalo Mac and Cheese Balls:** Ignite your taste buds with a fiery twist on the classic mac and cheese ball. Toss the balls in a spicy buffalo sauce, creating a tantalizing combination of creamy cheese and spicy heat.

4. **Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese Balls:** Savor the aromatic flavors of garlic and Parmesan in these indulgent balls. A generous sprinkling of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese enhances the cheesy goodness, resulting in a symphony of savory flavors.

5. **Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese Balls:** Indulge in a decadent blend of four cheeses in these heavenly balls. Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheeses come together to create a rich, complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

Each variation offers a unique taste experience, ensuring that there's a perfect mac and cheese ball for every palate. Dive into these cheesy delights and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

Tips:

- For a crispy coating, use a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. - To make sure the cheese balls are cooked evenly, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake the cheese balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. - Serve the cheese balls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Baked mac and cheese balls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later. With so many different ways to customize them, mac and cheese balls are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

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