Deep Fried Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Kita Roberts GirlCarnivore.com (2024)

These Deep-Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are the ideal comfort food! Mac and cheese is formed into bite-sized balls, coated in breadcrumbs, then deep fried until crispy, crunchy, and golden!

Okay, admit it, we’re all a bit guilty of overindulgence around the holidays. So what’s the harm in over-indulging a little bit more with this deep-fried mac and cheese?

These fried mac and cheese balls are the epitome of comfort food and make the perfect addition to a holiday meal or an appetizer spread for a party.

Creamy mac and cheese packed into a crispy and crunchy, golden-brown, bite-size piece of deliciousness? Does it get any better than that?

What you need to make this recipe

• Bacon – cooked, drained, and crumbled to add a smoky flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Mac and Cheese – you can use whatever mac and cheese recipe you like! Pretty much anything will work! Try delicious smoked mac and cheese or creamy instant pot mac and cheese.
• Eggs – coats the outside of the mac and cheese balls to help the breadcrumbs stick and to help them crisp up nicely.
• Breadcrumbs – you can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian seasoned for a boost of flavor.
• Vegetable Oil – for frying!

How to make deep-fried macaroni and cheese

In a large bowl, mix the bacon into the mac and cheese. Cover and chill for 6 hours in the fridge.

Set up your rolling station by arranging the eggs in a bowl next to a bowl of breadcrumbs.

Remove the mac and cheese from the fridge and use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mac and cheese into tight balls.

One at a time, dip each ball into the eggs, drain the excess, then roll them in the breadcrumbs.

Place the breadcrumb coated mac and cheese balls onto a baking sheet, then freeze for 4 hours.

When you’re ready to fry, fill a large pot with oil and heat the oil over medium-low heat until hot enough to fry. Preheat the oven to 180ºF.

Use a long-handled slotted spoon to dip the macaroni and cheese balls in the hot oil. Fry until golden-brown, then set over a rack on a baking sheet to drain and keep in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with all the mac and cheese balls.

Allow the balls to cool for three minutes, then sprinkle with salt and serve hot!

What mac and cheese to use

This recipe works with pretty much any mac and cheese recipe you like! I love to make homemade mac and cheese (because it’s just better), but boxed mac and cheese will work as well if you’re shorter on time!

You can even mix it up with additional fillings. Try adding bacon, hot sausage, shredded chicken, or even swirl in some veggies (no one will know, I promise.)

How to bake mac and cheese balls

If you’d prefer to make baked mac and cheese balls, feel free! To do so, preheat the oven to 350ºF, line the mac and cheese balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, then bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden-brown and crispy. I recommend rotating them every few minutes so they cook evenly!

350 for 20-30 minutes, rotating every few minutes so they cook evenly

Tips, tricks, and notes for this recipe

Can mac and cheese balls be made ahead of time?

Kind of! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese, so feel free to prep the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.

If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

How to store

After the macaroni and cheese is deep-fried, it’s definitely best right away. If you do have leftovers, they will last for 3-5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, bake at 400ºF for 18-20 minutes or until warmed all the way through. I don’t recommend microwaving them because they won’t get as crispy.

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