Home
A fun and easy recipe that the kids and guests will love! It's super cheesy and absolutely one of my faves. No need for spoons with this mac dish!!
A fun and easy recipe that the kids and guests will love! It's super cheesy and absolutely one of my faves. No need for spoons with this mac dish!!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup shredded italian cheese blend
- 4 eggs
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
- 3/4 cup pimento cheese spread
- 2 cups italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 4 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed
- Carbohydrate 42.1
- Cholesterol 146
- Fat 32.3
- Protein 20.4
- Sodium 1204
- Calories 543 calories;
Step-by-step
- Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil.
- Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes.
- Drain.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons butter, the 1/4 cup milk, and the cheese packet from the package.
- While the macaroni is still hot, stir in the Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend, and continue to stir until melted.
- Place the macaroni and cheese mixture in a container and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator, and, using a cookie scoop, scoop into balls.
- Place mac balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Whisk the bread crumbs with the paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, and cayenne in a shallow dish; set aside.
- Beat the eggs with the 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl.
- Remove the mac balls from the freezer, coat in the egg wash, and then dredge in breading.
- Fry the mac balls in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate; serve hot.
My Cheesy Mac and Cheese Balls: A Fun Twist on a Classic
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick and easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This mac and cheese balls recipe is a perfect example! It takes a classic comfort food and turns it into something fun and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. The kids absolutely love them – they're little cheesy nuggets of happiness, and honestly, so am I!
The best part? No spoons required! These bite-sized balls of cheesy goodness are incredibly easy to make. You start with a simple mac and cheese base, then shape it into balls, freeze them, and then give them a crispy breadcrumb coating before frying until golden brown. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, gooey cheese center – pure perfection.
I've experimented with different cheese combinations over time. Sometimes I add a sharp cheddar for a tangy kick, while other times I opt for a milder mozzarella for a creamy texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to customize it to your liking – add some different spices, experiment with various bread crumbs, or even try different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. I've made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a fun weeknight dinner with the kids. It's always a hit, disappearing almost as soon as it’s placed on the table. I can't count how many times I've heard my children exclaim, "Mommy, these are the best!" It's a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve created a dish that brings so much joy to my family.
So, if you're looking for a unique and delicious way to elevate your mac and cheese game, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It's simple, fun, and utterly irresistible. It's the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And trust me, the clean-up is a breeze!
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also provides a fun family activity. My kids love to help me shape the mac and cheese mixture into balls. They get creative, making them different sizes and shapes, adding a playful touch to the cooking process. It's a great way to bond and create happy memories in the kitchen together. Making food with the family is one of the things I cherish most, it creates a sense of connection that’s truly priceless.
So, go ahead, gather your ingredients and prepare for a cheesy explosion of flavor. Your family (and taste buds) will thank you for it! And don't be surprised if these mac and cheese balls become a new family favorite – they certainly have in our house. Happy cooking!
