Kamil Perry
Mac and cheese balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack, perfect as an appetizer or for game day. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside, with a gooey, creamy, and cheesy interior. While frying is the most common method of cooking mac and cheese balls, some recipes suggest baking them in the oven. This article will explore the different ways to cook mac and cheese balls, including the option to deep fry them, and provide tips and tricks for achieving the perfect result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, creamy and gooey on the inside |
| Taste | Cheesy |
| Type of macaroni | Elbow macaroni, tubes (ziti, penne, rigatoni), or corkscrew shapes (fusilli) |
| Type of breadcrumbs | Panko |
| Temperature for deep frying | 350 degrees F |
| Time for deep frying | 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown |
| Dipping sauces | Homemade ranch dressing, marinara sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Mac and cheese balls are a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese
To make mac and cheese balls, you will need to start with a batch of leftover macaroni and cheese. It is important to let the mixture solidify in the fridge for a few hours before trying to roll it into balls. You can also freeze the balls for a short time to help them hold their shape when frying.
Once the mixture is firm, you can use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape it into balls. You can then set up an assembly line with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to coat the mac and cheese balls. For extra flavour, you can season the flour and breadcrumbs with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. You can also use crushed potato chips as a crunchy coating.
Finally, heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Fry the mac and cheese balls in small batches until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Mac and cheese balls are a fun and delicious way to transform your leftovers into something new and exciting. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or finger food for any occasion.
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Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying
Frying mac and cheese balls is a delicate process, and getting the oil to the right temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the mac and cheese balls will brown too quickly on the outside without cooking in the middle. If the oil is not hot enough, the mac and cheese balls will absorb the oil and become greasy and soggy.
The ideal temperature for deep frying is between 350°F and 375°F. You can start at 375°F to allow for a slight temperature drop when you add the frozen mac and cheese balls to the oil. This temperature range is above the smoke point of many popular cooking oils, including coconut oil, vegetable oil, corn oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
If you don't have a thermometer, there are other ways to test the oil temperature. One way is to drop a tiny piece of the mixture into the oil; if it quickly sizzles up to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
It's also important to fry in batches, as overcrowding the pan can bring down the oil temperature too much.
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How to shape the macaroni and cheese mixture into balls
To shape the macaroni and cheese mixture into balls, you'll first need to chill the mixture. Place the mixture into a container and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it's firm and cold.
Once the mixture is chilled, you can start shaping it into balls. There are a few methods you can use:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture at a time, then use your hands to shape it into balls, compressing the mixture slightly.
- Cut the chilled mixture into strips, then cut the strips into squares. Roll each square into a ball.
- Scoop the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper.
It's important to chill or freeze the mac and cheese balls before frying, as this will help them hold their shape. You can also bread the balls before freezing them. To do this, dip them into an egg wash, then roll them in breadcrumbs or Panko crumbs.
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How long to chill or freeze the mac and cheese balls before frying
To make mac and cheese balls, the macaroni and cheese mixture should be chilled for several hours before being rolled into balls. This allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape and ensuring the balls hold together. Some recipes suggest chilling the mixture for at least 3 hours, or overnight, before shaping it into balls. Others recommend chilling the mixture for about 4 hours, until firm, and then freezing the shaped balls for at least 2 hours.
Some sources suggest freezing the mac and cheese balls for 15 minutes before coating them in egg wash and breadcrumbs, while others suggest freezing them for 45 minutes to an hour. However, it is important to note that freezing the balls for too long can make them too solid for the fryer.
Once the balls have been coated, they should be returned to the freezer while the oil is heated to 350°F to 375°F. This ensures that the balls hold their shape during frying.
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How long to fry the mac and cheese balls
To fry mac and cheese balls, the oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C). The temperature can be started at 375°F to allow for a slight drop when the frozen mac and cheese balls are added. If the oil is too cold, the mac and cheese balls will absorb the oil and become greasy, and if it is too hot, they will burn before the inside gets hot.
Once the oil is at the correct temperature, the balls should be fried for 3-5 minutes in small batches, until golden brown. They can be cooked for 6-8 minutes in an air fryer.
It is important to chill or freeze the mac and cheese balls before frying, to help them hold their shape. They should be frozen for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, deep frying is necessary to achieve the desired crispy exterior and creamy interior.
You can use canola oil or any other oil of your choice. Just make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature of around 350°F (175°C) before frying.
You can use traditional breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or even crushed potato chips for an extra crunchy shell. You can also season your breading with spices like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
Fry the mac and cheese balls in small batches for around 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You may need to adjust the frying time depending on the size of your balls and the temperature of your oil.
