Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls 🧀

The ultimate comfort food finger food! Creamy, cheesy leftover macaroni and cheese shaped into bite-sized spheres, coated in seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown and incredibly crunchy on the outside with a gooey, melted center. 😋✨

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)

• 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings (about 18 balls)

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 cups cold, leftover macaroni and cheese 🥣

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) 🧀

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🌾

• 2 large eggs (beaten) 🥚

• 2 tablespoons milk 🥛

• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (for ultimate crunch) 🍞

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️

• Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying) 🛢️

👩‍🍳 Detailed Instructions

1. Shape and Chill: 🥣 In a large bowl, mix your cold macaroni and cheese with the extra cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, tightly roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes. Do not skip this step, or they will fall apart in the oil!

2. Set Up the Breading Station: 👩‍🍳 Arrange three shallow bowls in a row:

   • Bowl 1: Mix the flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

   • Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs and milk together.

   • Bowl 3: Combine the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.

3. Coat the Balls: 🥖 Roll each chilled mac and cheese ball into the flour (shake off excess), dip completely into the egg wash, and then roll generously in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they are fully coated.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection: 🛢️ Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 180°C (350°F). Fry the balls in small batches of 4-5 for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and heated through.

5. Drain and Serve: 🍽️ Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and gooey alongside warm marinara sauce or spicy ranch dressing!