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Crispy breaded snack arranged on a white plate with rustic checkered cloth underneath.

Easy Mac and Cheese Balls

Crispy mac and cheese balls made with a rich cheddar sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and a crunchy potato chip coating, optionally stuffed with fresh mozzarella for an extra cheesy center.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Mac and Cheese Balls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 balls

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked according to package instructions and cooled
  • 1 lb cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 12 oz evaporated milk
  • cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 7 oz kettle-cooked potato chips finely crushed
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese cut into small pieces (optional, for stuffing)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Neutral frying oil as needed

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking continuously, until thickened.
  • Season the béchamel sauce with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually fold in the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and incorporated. If the sauce appears grainy, blend briefly with an immersion blender until smooth.
  • Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread evenly, and refrigerate until completely chilled.
  • Prepare a breading station with one bowl of crushed potato chips and another bowl containing the beaten eggs mixed with the remaining 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
  • Heat frying oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Using a medium ice cream scoop, portion the chilled mac and cheese into uniform balls. If desired, insert a small piece of mozzarella into the center of each portion and gently shape into a ball.
  • Dip each ball into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with crushed potato chips. Place on a baking sheet while repeating with remaining portions.
  • Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches, 4–6 at a time, until golden brown, approximately 2–4 minutes per batch, maintaining oil temperature throughout.
  • Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Season lightly with salt and serve warm with preferred dipping sauces.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for roux preparation, and use certified gluten-free pasta and potato chips. Always verify labels to avoid cross-contamination.