15-Minute Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls
Golden, crunchy fried mac and cheese bites using leftover cooked mac and cheese, panko, and a hot oil bath. Serve with marinara for dunking.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 14g
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese, chilled
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 whole egg
- 2 cups neutral oil for frying
- ½ cup marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Scoop chilled mac and cheese into 12 balls (about 1.5 inches each), rolling between your palms.
- 2
Whisk egg in a small bowl. Put panko in another bowl. Roll each ball in egg, then coat in panko.
- 3
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high until a breadcrumb sizzles instantly, ~3 minutes.
- 4
Working in batches, fry balls 90 seconds per side until deep golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan.
- 5
Drain on paper towels for 1 minute. Serve hot with marinara for dipping.
Tools you’ll need
- 2-cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop
- 2 small bowls
- heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
- instant-read thermometer (optional)
- slotted spoon or spider strainer
- paper towels
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