Mac and cheese balls

Tips: Make mac and cheese balls

Have you never tried making mac and cheese balls? No need to worry; with these tips, you will soon be ready to start.

Uniform sizing with a scoop

To get evenly shaped mac and cheese balls, portion out the mixture using a cookie or ice cream scoop. This not only guarantees that all balls are the same size but also ensures that they cook at the same rate.

Double the recipe

Considering how popular mac and cheese balls can be, you can always double the recipe. This is particularly useful for parties or large family gatherings. By making more at once, you save time and effort in the future – it is just as easy to make a larger batch, and you will have extras for another day.

Mac and cheese balls – extra crispy and extra cheesy

Mac and cheese just got a whole lot better with this recipe. Our mac and cheese balls are a fun and delicious twist on a favourite classic that doubles the crunch and triples the cheesy goodness. With just basic ingredients, including plenty of cheese, these cheese bites are very easy to make and bound to be a hit at any table with their creamy, gooey centre and satisfyingly crispy exterior. To avoid any fighting over who gets the last one, we suggest you make an extra batch – or two.

For all the macaroni and cheese enthusiasts, we have more delicious recipes to try. Try our buffalo chicken mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, or a quick mac and cheese.

Cheesy macaroni balls with béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese

To make these fried mac and cheese balls, you, of course, need macaroni (also called elbow pasta), a smooth sauce, and a generous amount of grated cheese. The luscious béchamel sauce enriched with mozzarella and cheddar melds impeccably with the tender macaroni. The mozzarella provides a mild, creamy texture that complements the sharp, slightly tangy richness of the cheddar. So, take your time and allow this mixture to cool and firm up; it will make it easier to shape the balls. We promise it will be worth the wait.

A crispy finish with eggs and breadcrumbs

We give the macaroni and cheese balls a crispy finish with a coating of eggs and breadcrumbs. The eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere better, creating a thick, crunchy shell that crackles satisfyingly with every bite. This textural contrast to the soft, cheesy inside makes the bites incredibly appealing and moreish. They are so good that you will want to sink your teeth into them again and again.

Delicious bite-sized finger food

If cheese and pasta are your go-tos, prepare to fall in love with our mac and cheese balls. The delightful morsels transform traditional pasta dishes into fun, bite-sized finger food perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, a game night, or just want a tasty snack to munch on, these cheesy delights never disappoint. Serve them with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dip of your choice, for instance, a spicy marinara sauce, homemade salsa, classic ranch dressing, or smoky BBQ sauce to complement the richness of the cheese. They will be gone before you know it.

Add your own touch

Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins, such as herbs or a hint of truffle oil. If you cannot resist a bit of heat, add a few spices such as cayenne pepper, chilli flakes or diced jalapeños to give the cheesy delights a spicy kick.

You can also prepare the mac and cheese balls in the oven or an air fryer. Heat your oven to 200 °C and prepare a tray with baking paper and a light coating of oil. Place the balls on the tray and bake for about 10 minutes. Turn them over and bake for another 7 minutes until golden. If air frying, preheat to 190 °C. Cook the balls for 10 minutes, turn, and cook for another 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Both methods give you a crunchy outside with a soft, cheesy middle.