Easy Mac & Cheese Balls Recipe

Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack? These Easy Mac & Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible—imagine creamy mac and cheese all wrapped up in a crunchy, golden shell! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or honestly, just because you feel like treating yourself to something extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Mac & Cheese Balls come together with simple ingredients, but each one plays a vital role—bringing texture, creaminess, structure, or a hint of zing. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic mac shape for the perfect bite—cooks quickly and holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Cheddar & Monterrey Jack Cheese: Grates down silky smooth, so you get luscious meltiness and that iconic cheesy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter & Flour: For creating the luscious roux base of your cheese sauce—don’t skip this step for dreamy texture!
• Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: This trio delivers a rich, creamy sauce that sets up perfectly for scooping and shaping.
• Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Just two tablespoons of Dijon amps up tang, while garlic and paprika add depth and vivid golden color.
• Kettle Cooked Potato Chips (crushed): Go bold! Their crunch gives an irresistible shell that holds up to dipping and snacking.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the crumb coating to your mac balls for that flawless crust.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (optional for stuffing): Tuck inside for a gooey, melty cheese core—totally worth it.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season every layer to make the flavors pop.

Variations

One of the best parts about Easy Mac & Cheese Balls? You can easily make them your own! Swap cheeses, add mix-ins, or adjust the coating to match your mood or your guests’ dietary needs—here are some of my favorite twists.

• Spicy Jalapeño: Mix in chopped pickled or fresh jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Lover’s: Fold in crispy bacon bits before rolling for irresistible smoky flavor and crunch.
• Herb-Infused: Add chopped chives, fresh parsley, or a hint of rosemary to the cheese sauce for a fragrant lift.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free chips (like rice chips or GF crackers) for the coating—no one will even notice!
• Swap the Cheese: Try Pepper Jack for spice, Gruyère for a nutty note, or even a sharp white cheddar for extra tang.

How to Make Easy Mac & Cheese Balls

Step 1: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a sturdy pot over medium-high heat, add your butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly—you want a light golden roux that smells slightly toasty. This is the secret to that decadent, velvety sauce! Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and cream, keeping everything smooth and lump-free. Bring it up to a gentle boil to thicken, and don’t stop whisking.

Step 2: Stir in Cheese & Seasonings

Once your sauce is thickened, turn the heat down to low. Add one tablespoon of Dijon, the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then fold in the grated cheddar and Monterrey jack cheeses. If your cheese sauce ever looks a bit grainy, an immersion blender will smooth it right out. Give it a taste—it should be bold and cheesy with a little tang!

Step 3: Combine with Macaroni & Chill

Add the cooked macaroni to your hot cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Pour the whole mixture into a 9×13-inch tray (or something shallow for faster cooling) and let it chill in the refrigerator. This helps the mac and cheese firm up so you can scoop and shape perfect balls later—no sticky mess!

Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station

While the mac and cheese chills, get your breading station ready! Grab one bowl for the finely crushed potato chips and another for three beaten eggs mixed with your remaining tablespoon of Dijon. This combo guarantees a coating that’s crunchy and full of flavor with each bite.

Step 5: Scoop, Stuff, and Shape

Once the mixture is firm, use a medium ice cream scoop to portion your mac and cheese onto a baking sheet. If you’re feeling extra decadent, stuff each ball with a bite of fresh mozzarella—press it right into the center, then wrap the mac and cheese all around it to seal.

Step 6: Bread and Fry

Dredge each ball in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the crushed potato chips. Line up your breaded balls on a tray while you heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry in small batches—about 4 to 6 at a time—cooking for 2 to 4 minutes until beautifully golden. Keep your oil at the right temp for even crispiness every time.

Step 7: Drain, Season, and Serve

Once fried, pop your Easy Mac & Cheese Balls onto a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack. Sprinkle immediately with a pinch more salt for extra flavor—then serve hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, spicy ketchup, or even marinara are all winners!).

How to Serve Easy Mac & Cheese Balls

Garnishes

Give your Easy Mac & Cheese Balls a sprinkle of finely chopped chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a shaving of extra cheddar right as they come out of the fryer. For a festive touch, add tiny basil leaves or a few twists of fresh black pepper—these just elevate both look and flavor.

Side Dishes

For a full-on party platter, serve these with fresh veggie sticks, a crisp arugula salad, or even tangy coleslaw. They also love to be dipped—so put out a trio of sauces like spicy mayo, cool ranch, and classic marinara so everyone can find their favorite flavor pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the mac and cheese balls on a platter stacked with fun picks or mini forks, or serve in paper cones for casual gatherings. You can even pop a few onto a skewer with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a playful party appetizer—the possibilities are endless and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Easy Mac & Cheese Balls will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before storing, and line the container with a paper towel to help absorb any extra moisture and keep them crisp.

Freezing

You can totally freeze these! Once breaded (but before frying), arrange them on a sheet tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time—they’ll be just as crispy and cheesy as fresh.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 375°F oven or air fryer, about 5–7 minutes, until heated through and the coating is re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, since the coating will lose its crunch and the cheese may overheat unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Easy Mac & Cheese Balls as I am to share them! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hungry for something special, these are guaranteed to spark smiles. Give them a try—and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Happy snacking!

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