Mac and cheese balls

Mac and cheese balls

1 h
Turn a beloved classic into a family favourite with our delicious mac and cheese balls recipe. The small bites combine creamy, cheesy flavours with a crisp outer shell, perfect for sharing. You will love them, and the kids will love them. Try the recipe and keep everyone happily munching.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/mac-and-cheese-balls/

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to the packet instructions. When it is ready, drain and rinse briefly under cold water.
  • Toss the pasta with béchamel, nutmeg, grated cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes until it has cooled. Now, shape the mixture into smaller balls and place in the fridge again for about 30 minutes.
  • Whisk eggs in a bowl and make two bowls with flour and breadcrumbs, respectively.
  • Coat the balls in flour, dip them in egg mixture, and coat them in breadcrumbs.
  • Heat oil in a pan to about 180 °C.
  • Fry the balls a few at a time for 5–6 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about mac and cheese balls

Transform a family favourite into a delightful snack with our mac and cheese balls recipe. Below, find answers to some commonly asked questions about these cheesy bites.

Can I make mac and cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the mac and cheese balls ahead of time, so they are ready to fry later. You can store the balls in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you plan to store them longer, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to a month. When ready to serve, coat them in flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs as stated in the recipe, then fry in oil.
Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese to make these balls?
Yes, leftover macaroni and cheese works wonderfully for making mac and cheese balls. Chilled leftovers are just right for shaping into firm balls. For better flavour and binding, add some extra shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Mix well, form into balls and chill or freeze until they are solid. Coat the firm balls in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then roll them in breadcrumbs before frying them.
How do I store mac and cheese balls?
Let the mac and cheese balls cool at room temperature after frying to avoid them turning soggy. When cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate to keep them fresh. They will keep well for 3–5 days. To enjoy them again, warm them in the oven until they are crispy.

Ingredients

Gomiti elbow pasta
200 g
Salt
1 tbsp
Bechamel sauce with cheese
500 ml
Nutmeg, grated
½ tsp
Mozzarella, grated
100 g
Cheddar cheese, grated
100 g
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Eggs
4
Wheat flour
200 g
Breadcrumbs
250 g
Frying oil
1½ l
To serve
Parmesan cheese

Tips: Make mac and cheese balls

Have you never tried making mac and cheese balls? No need to worry; with these tips, you will soon be ready to start.

Uniform sizing with a scoop

To get evenly shaped mac and cheese balls, portion out the mixture using a cookie or ice cream scoop. This not only guarantees that all balls are the same size but also ensures that they cook at the same rate.

Double the recipe

Considering how popular mac and cheese balls can be, you can always double the recipe. This is particularly useful for parties or large family gatherings. By making more at once, you save time and effort in the future – it is just as easy to make a larger batch, and you will have extras for another day.

Mac and cheese balls – extra crispy and extra cheesy

Mac and cheese just got a whole lot better with this recipe. Our mac and cheese balls are a fun and delicious twist on a favourite classic that doubles the crunch and triples the cheesy goodness. With just basic ingredients, including plenty of cheese, these cheese bites are very easy to make and bound to be a hit at any table with their creamy, gooey centre and satisfyingly crispy exterior. To avoid any fighting over who gets the last one, we suggest you make an extra batch – or two.

For all the macaroni and cheese enthusiasts, we have more delicious recipes to try. Try our buffalo chicken mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, or a quick mac and cheese.

Cheesy macaroni balls with béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese

To make these fried mac and cheese balls, you, of course, need macaroni (also called elbow pasta), a smooth sauce, and a generous amount of grated cheese. The luscious béchamel sauce enriched with mozzarella and cheddar melds impeccably with the tender macaroni. The mozzarella provides a mild, creamy texture that complements the sharp, slightly tangy richness of the cheddar. So, take your time and allow this mixture to cool and firm up; it will make it easier to shape the balls. We promise it will be worth the wait.

A crispy finish with eggs and breadcrumbs

We give the macaroni and cheese balls a crispy finish with a coating of eggs and breadcrumbs. The eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere better, creating a thick, crunchy shell that crackles satisfyingly with every bite. This textural contrast to the soft, cheesy inside makes the bites incredibly appealing and moreish. They are so good that you will want to sink your teeth into them again and again.

Delicious bite-sized finger food

If cheese and pasta are your go-tos, prepare to fall in love with our mac and cheese balls. The delightful morsels transform traditional pasta dishes into fun, bite-sized finger food perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, a game night, or just want a tasty snack to munch on, these cheesy delights never disappoint. Serve them with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dip of your choice, for instance, a spicy marinara sauce, homemade salsa, classic ranch dressing, or smoky BBQ sauce to complement the richness of the cheese. They will be gone before you know it.

Add your own touch

Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins, such as herbs or a hint of truffle oil. If you cannot resist a bit of heat, add a few spices such as cayenne pepper, chilli flakes or diced jalapeños to give the cheesy delights a spicy kick.

You can also prepare the mac and cheese balls in the oven or an air fryer. Heat your oven to 200 °C and prepare a tray with baking paper and a light coating of oil. Place the balls on the tray and bake for about 10 minutes. Turn them over and bake for another 7 minutes until golden. If air frying, preheat to 190 °C. Cook the balls for 10 minutes, turn, and cook for another 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Both methods give you a crunchy outside with a soft, cheesy middle.