Mac & Cheese Balls Recipe

Crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible — these Mac & Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort food bite! Imagine ultra-creamy mac and cheese, rolled up, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, then coated in crunchy kettle chips and fried until gloriously golden. It’s the best way to turn everyone’s favorite dish into the perfect appetizer, snack, or late-night treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Mac & Cheese Balls rely on a handful of familiar, genuinely craveable ingredients. Each one plays a vital part in creating those dreamy textures and bold flavor — let’s see what makes them shine!

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape for mac and cheese — it hugs the creamy sauce and forms the perfect bite-size balls.
• Sharp Cheddar & Monterrey Jack Cheese: This melty, tangy duo makes every bite extra rich and gooey — grating your own cheese is worth it!
• Unsalted Butter & Flour: These create the luscious roux as the base of your cheese sauce, giving it that thick, silky body.
• Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The combination delivers a deeply creamy, ultra-luxurious sauce that clings to every noodle.
• Dijon Mustard (divided): Just a touch cuts through the richness and brings a gentle zing; a bit goes in the cheese sauce and the breading.
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These humble spices elevate each ball with subtle depth and smokiness.
• Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Crushed chips give the balls an extra-thick coating with marvelous crunch and a salty finish.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the breading to each ball, and adding a little more richness.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (optional): Stuffing the center with mozzarella adds a surprise molten core — totally optional, but highly recommended!
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Don’t skimp! You’ll need both to bring all the flavors to life.

Variations

One of the best things about Mac & Cheese Balls is just how easy they are to switch up! Whether you want to add a bit of heat, sneak in some veggies, or make them gluten-free, you can absolutely make these your own.

• Spicy Mac & Cheese Balls: Stir in a finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne for a kick of heat.
• Bacon Lovers: Fold crispy cooked bacon into the mac and cheese mixture for smoky bites throughout.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free elbow pasta and use gluten-free potato chips for dredging — just make sure every ingredient is certified.
• Veggie-Packed: Add finely chopped, sautéed broccoli or spinach to the cheese sauce for a sneaky nutrition boost.

How to Make Mac & Cheese Balls

Step 1: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Start by creating a rich cheese sauce: melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour and let it cook just until it smells nutty. Gradually add the evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisking constantly until bubbly and thickened. Stir in one tablespoon of Dijon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go — the base for your Mac & Cheese Balls should already be crave-worthy!

Step 2: Stir in Cheese & Combine with Pasta

Turn the heat down and patiently fold in your grated cheddar and Monterrey jack cheeses. Give the sauce a minute to melt everything smooth (use an immersion blender if needed). Toss in your cooked macaroni and gently combine until every noodle is coated in creamy gold. Spread the mixture in a tray and let it chill in the fridge — this step is essential so your balls hold together later!

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

While your mac & cheese is cooling, prep your breading station: one bowl with crushed kettle-cooked chips, and another with eggs beaten with a touch more Dijon mustard for extra flavor. You want everything lined up before shaping — it makes life so much easier.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Mac & Cheese Balls

Scoop portions of chilled mac and cheese (an ice cream scoop works wonders) onto a tray. If you’re using mozzarella, press two small pieces inside and roll to enclose the cheese completely. Don’t worry if they look a little rustic — perfection isn’t the goal, cheesy goodness is!

Step 5: Coat and Fry Until Golden

Dip each ball into the egg mixture, then roll to coat in the crushed chips, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Preheat two inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the Mac & Cheese Balls in batches for 2–4 minutes, or until deep golden and wonderfully crisp. Let them drain on a paper towel or rack, sprinkle with a little salt, and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Mac & Cheese Balls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Mac & Cheese Balls with a flurry of grated parmesan, fresh chopped chives, or even a little extra smoked paprika. It’s a small detail that brings a pop of color, flavor, and makes them look like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen!

Side Dishes

Balance these rich, melty bites with something fresh — think a crisp green salad dressed with acidic vinaigrette, tangy dill pickles, or cooling slaw. For party spreads, they pair beautifully alongside chicken wings, veggie trays, or classic sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Mac & Cheese Balls high on a platter with dipping sauces in the center, skewer them cocktail-style for bite-sized appetizers, or serve in little paper cones at a party. For game day, try threading them with mini pickles and cherry tomatoes for your own spin on “snack kabobs” — you’ll be the hit of the gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash any leftover Mac & Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days — and make the best quick heat-and-eat snack!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange unfried, coated balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag, squeeze out extra air, and store for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the cook time for ultimate convenience!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Mac & Cheese Balls in a 400°F oven or air fryer for several minutes until piping hot. Avoid microwaving if you can — it softens the beautiful crust, and nobody wants a soggy mac ball!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making them for a special party, treating yourself on movie night, or just craving the ultimate cheesy snack, Mac & Cheese Balls never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them — if you do, let me know how it goes and what creative spins you put on this crowd-pleasing favorite!

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