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    Home » Recipes » appetizer

    Deep Fried Macaroni and Cheese

    30 mins | Yield 12 | November 18, 2018 | Updated: April 14, 2022 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    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!

    deep fried macaroni and cheese appetizer on black plates with a hand holding a fork and a sliced pork loin on another platter

    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!
    • 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!
    Deep fried macaroni and cheese on a black plate, split apart by a fork

    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

    Deep fried macaroni and cheese ball broken apart with a bite of elbow pasta on the end of a fork

    Tips, tricks, and notes for this recipe

    Chill the mac and cheese.

    You’ll want the chill whatever mac and cheese you use for around 6 hours in the fridge after you make it. This helps dry it out so it’s easier to form into balls. 

    Drain off excess egg.

    After you dip the mac and cheese ball into the egg, let the excess drain off. You want there to be enough so the breadcrumbs can stick, but not so much that they just end up soggy.

    Don’t fill the pot too high with oil.

    For safety, make sure you leave a little bit of space at the top of the pot. The hot oil can splatter.

    Don’t add more thean three mac and cheese balls.

    If you put too many mac and cheese balls into the hot oil, it will cause the temperature to drop. I would keep the limit at three so the oil stays hot and the mac and cheese balls get nice and crispy.

    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.

    More macaroni and cheese inspiration

    • Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
    • Smoked Jalapeno Mac and Cheese 
    • Double Smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • 10 Kicking Mac and Cheese Recipes 

    If you’ve tried my Deep Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls recipe, or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on  Twitter and Facebook.

    Fried Macaroni and Cheese that has been pulled apart with a fork on a black plate.
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    5 from 20 votes

    Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

    Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are the new must have recipe at your dinner table. Fun, light, and filled with a customizable family favorite!
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Chilling time6 hrs
    Total Time30 mins
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 562kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 lbs bacon cooked drained and crumbled
    • 2 lbs mac and cheese see notes for my favorite mac and cheese recipes to use
    • 2 eggs whisked
    • 4 cups breadcrumbs
    • Vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, mix the crumbled bacon into the macaroni and cheese.
    • Cover and chill for 6 hours in the refrigerator.
    • Set up your rolling station by arranging the eggs in a large bowl next to a bowl with the breadcrumbs.
    • Remove from fridge and with your hands or a large cookie scoop, form the mac and cheese into tight balls. You will have between 12 and 16 balls depending on how big you make them.
    • Working one at a time, dip each ball into the eggs, turning to coat evenly. Drain any excess.
    • Transfer to the breadcrumbs and roll the mac and cheese ball in the bread crumbs, coating evenly.
    • Place the breadcrumb coated mac and cheese ball onto a baking sheet.
    • Repeat the steps as needed.
    • Arrange the baking sheet in the freezer to allow the balls to freeze in a single layer.
    • After freezing for at least 4 hours, you can store the balls in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to fry.
    • When ready to fry, fill a large heavy-bottomed pot with oil, leaving 2 inches from the surface of the oil to the top of the pot for safety.
    • Heat the oil over medium-low heat until hot enough to fry.
    • Preheat the oven to the warm setting, or 180 degrees.
    • With a long-handled slotted spoon, dip a macaroni and cheese ball in. Fry, rolling as needed, until golden brown all over.
    • Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese ball from the oil with a slotted spoon and set on a rack over a baking sheet to drain. Keep warm in the preheated oven.
    • Repeat the steps, adding no more than 3 balls at a time, to keep the oil temp even, until all of the macaroni and cheese balls are fried. Allow to the last ball to cool at least 3 minutes before serving.
    • Sprinkle the deep fried macaroni and cheese with salt and serve hot.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 562 Calories from Fat 225
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 25g38%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Cholesterol 52mg17%
    Sodium 1103mg48%
    Potassium 304mg9%
    Carbohydrates 61g20%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 20g40%
    Vitamin A 55IU1%
    Calcium 182mg18%
    Iron 3.6mg20%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
    Made My Recipe?Mention @girlcarnivore and tag #girlcarnivore!
    deep fried mac and cheese flatlay

    See the web story for deep-fried mac and cheese here.

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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine says

      November 27, 2018 at 6:02 am

      5 stars
      That is awesome using bacon with macaroni. I am going to try this recipe on the weekend for my family.

      Reply
    2. Candy says

      November 27, 2018 at 9:06 am

      Honestly this sounds so good and talk about comfort food. All the deep frying and carbs oh my

      Reply
    3. G says

      November 27, 2018 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      These look incredible. I have made Arincini before and my family loved them so I am sure they would love these fried mac and cheese balls. I think these will be on this weeks menu.

      Reply
    4. Stacie says

      November 27, 2018 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is proof that absolutely everything is better when you fry it. I must have this in my life!

      Reply
    5. Sarah Bailey says

      November 27, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Hands up I love Mac n Cheese, however I have never thought about having it deep friend, I bet it makes for an interesting side dish and something I would really love to try myself.

      Reply
    6. Alli Smith says

      November 27, 2018 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      I remember when this trend started a few years back and I still haven’t tasted deep-fried mac and cheese. I need to try your recipe ASAP. Looks so delicious.

      Reply
    7. Jenn@engineermommy says

      November 27, 2018 at 1:55 pm

      These mac and cheese balls look so yummy and decadent. I am a huge fan of mac and cheese and would love these.

      Reply
    8. Brianne says

      November 27, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      My kids love mac-n-cheese! I think this would be a great hit with them. It looks so delicious!

      Reply
    9. robin rue says

      November 27, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      This sounds like pure heaven! I am drooling over here. I can NOT wait to make this.

      Reply
    10. Teresa says

      November 27, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      I have never tried a deep fried mac and cheese dish. I wonder, is it dry at all because I love a really cheesy gooey mac and cheese. I have GERD and take a higher dose Omeprazole that is avaialbe OTC.

      Reply
    11. Amber Myers says

      November 27, 2018 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum, I need to try this for sure. I love regular mac and cheese, so I’m sure I’d be a fan of a deep fried version. I love that there is bacon!

      Reply
    12. Tasheena says

      November 27, 2018 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, My! This looks and sounds amazing! Looking forward to giving this recipe a try, and also checking out the product you’ve mentioned.

      Reply
    13. Alexandra says

      November 27, 2018 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow. These sound so good 😉 Yum! I love macaroni and cheese – I can only imagine that frying them would take it to the next level!

      Delicious!

      Alex || http://www.itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

      Reply
    14. Rosemary says

      November 27, 2018 at 8:42 pm

      I recently had some of the best mac and cheese and it was made with gouda cheese. The sound of deep fried mac and cheese sounds decadent. Sounds like something to add to to the Christmas holiday season.

      Reply
    15. Heather says

      November 27, 2018 at 9:39 pm

      I think you can deep fry just about anything and it would be delicious. I bet my 9 year old would love this!

      Reply
    16. Emily says

      November 27, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow, this looks delicious! I want to make these so much, they would be great appetizers to take for a party. I know they would be a big hit!

      Reply
    17. Anne Wright says

      November 28, 2018 at 1:26 am

      5 stars
      it looks like you are all geared up for holiday, babe!

      Reply
    18. Lyosha says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:09 am

      it’s great idea to try and utilize leftovers. I wouldn’t go for deep fried things regularly but it could be a nice change

      Reply
    19. Olivia says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:21 am

      These look like an excellent appetizer to bring to my family’s Christmas. Awesome, thanks!

      Reply
    20. kumamonjeng says

      November 28, 2018 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      Look like an interesting appetizer or side dish, probably making this for my Xmas party dinner. Lets see if I succeed the experiment on this weekends.

      Reply
      • Kita says

        November 28, 2018 at 8:54 pm

        It’s all in the par-freeze 😉

        Reply
    21. ricci says

      November 28, 2018 at 10:27 am

      Oh gosh, I think fried mac and cheese sounds amazing!! I need to make these ASAP!!

      Reply
    22. Terri Steffes says

      November 28, 2018 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      Santa is bringing an air fryer to our house and I would love to give these a try! They look so good!

      Reply
      • Kita says

        November 28, 2018 at 8:54 pm

        Id love to try this with an air fryer!

        Reply
    23. Claire Lee says

      November 28, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I’ve been craving mac and cheese for the past few days and this just made me more hungry! I am eating mac and cheese for sure today

      Reply
    24. Shar says

      November 28, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      Ooh my kids and hubby would be all about this recipe! It looks like the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day 🙂

      Reply
    25. Mary Edwards says

      November 28, 2018 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic idea. The kids and adults in my family would all love this. My son makes mac and cheese a few times a week for himself (he’s 17). I bet he’d like to change it up and try this

      Reply
    26. Claudia Krusch says

      November 28, 2018 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      Love your recipe! Can’t wait to make it for our Holiday Open House! They look soooo good!

      Reply
    27. Fatima Torres says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      I’ve always been a fan of mac and cheese, but this is definitely something I’d like to try sometime with the kids.

      Reply
    28. Kara says

      November 29, 2018 at 3:09 am

      We are not a fan of mac and cheese here, but it sounds like a great thanksgiving treat

      Reply
    29. Jasmine Hewitt says

      November 29, 2018 at 9:18 am

      I would love to try this variation of a baked mac and cheese. the pictures look tempting!

      Reply
    30. Courtney says

      November 30, 2018 at 10:57 am

      Omg can we say yum?!?! I love deep fried Mac & cheese!!! So giving this a try!

      Reply
    31. Lisa says

      December 02, 2018 at 8:09 am

      I’m salivating after reading this! I love macaroni and cheese, and to have it like this puts a great new spin on it! Delicious.

      Reply

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