Best 2 Ranch Mac And Cheese Balls Recipes
**Introducing the Delightful Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls: A Culinary Symphony of Creamy, Crunchy, and Savory Flavors**
Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey with our exquisite Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls. These delectable morsels are a harmonious blend of creamy macaroni and cheese encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust, infused with the irresistible flavors of tangy ranch dressing. Each bite offers a delightful symphony of textures and flavors, leaving you craving more. In this comprehensive guide, we present two irresistible variations of this classic dish: the classic Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls and the mouthwatering Buffalo Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls. Whether you prefer the traditional tang of ranch or the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, these recipes guarantee an explosion of flavors that will satisfy every palate. Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that will elevate your next party or gathering to new heights of deliciousness.
CRISPY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS IN THE AIR FRYER
Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey mac and cheese on the inside, and made in the air fryer. The best part is no dipping sauce is needed because the ranch is built right in the balls!
Provided by Soup Loving Nicole
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pasta Appetizer Recipes
Time 3h55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain macaroni without rinsing and return to the pot. Add 1/4 cup milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet; mix until well combined.
- Add Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 cup milk to the mac and cheese and stir until Cheddar is melted. Transfer to a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 1/2-inch balls out of the cold mac and cheese. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Pulse cheese crackers in the bowl of a food processor and until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in ranch dressing mix. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
- Dip mac and cheese balls first in egg and then in the cracker mixture to coat. Place in the air fryer basket, adding as many balls as your basket allows without touching, working in batches, if needed. Spray tops of the balls with cooking spray.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Spray the tops of the balls again with cooking spray and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.7 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 374.7 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
Super cheesy mac 'n' cheese gets a boost from ranch seasoning, and then gets even better: It's deep-fried into crunchy and creamy golden-brown bites.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 2h25m
Yield 16 balls
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Put the milk and macaroni in a small saucepan and bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping. Simmer until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, cream cheese, butter, 1 packet of the ranch seasoning (8 teaspoons) and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl and cool to room temperature to stiffen up.
- Meanwhile, put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs into 3 separate shallow dishes and season each with salt and pepper.
- Using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons, scoop out balls of the cooled macaroni mixture and put them on a baking sheet. Roll each ball in your hand until smooth, then dredge in the flour, dip in the eggs to coat and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Put the balls back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
- Pour enough oil into a large heavy pot to come 2 inches up the side and attach a deep-frying thermometer to the pot. Heat the oil over medium heat to 360 degrees F.
- Working in batches, fry the balls until golden brown on the outside and heated through inside, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift the balls from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, buttermilk and remaining packet ranch seasoning in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer the mac 'n' cheese balls to a serving platter, drizzle with some of the dressing and serve with the remaining dressing on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- To ensure your mac and cheese balls are cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispier coating, double-coat the mac and cheese balls in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a variety of cheeses in your mac and cheese mixture to create a more complex flavor. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
- If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Serve your mac and cheese balls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or honey mustard.
Conclusion:
Ranch mac and cheese balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. With their crispy coating and flavorful filling, these mac and cheese balls are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a tasty and unique dish to serve, give these ranch mac and cheese balls a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
