Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than this recipe for Fried Mac and Cheese Balls! These crispy bites of cheesy goodness are perfect for parties or as a fun snack.
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir until melted.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Using your hands, form the mac and cheese mixture into 2-inch balls. Dip each ball into the whisked eggs, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F. Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the fried mac and cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!