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.
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Marlon Valdez
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of ranch dressing, but I loved these mac and cheese balls! The flavor was perfect.
Siddiq Saleem
[email protected]Yum!
Russell Osborne
[email protected]These were just okay. I think I would have liked them better if the mac and cheese filling had been more flavorful.
Busisiwe Buthelezi
[email protected]I made these for a potluck and they were gone in minutes! Everyone raved about how good they were.
Ssali ivatox
[email protected]These were easy to make and a big hit with my guests. I will definitely be making them again.
William Lisbourne
[email protected]My kids loved these! They were the perfect after-school snack.
Nuke Life
[email protected]These were a little too greasy for my taste. I think I would try baking them next time instead of frying them.
Wish Ch
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out great! I would definitely make these again.
Isaiah Howard
[email protected]Delicious! The ranch flavor really shines through in these mac and cheese balls.
Md omor VaI
[email protected]These were a hit at my party! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the ranch seasoning and the creamy mac and cheese filling.
Theblackhorse Aicha
[email protected]So good! My family loved these ranch mac and cheese balls. They were easy to make and turned out perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.