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Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Prep Time:

40 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

8 Servings

Level:

About the Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ cup milk

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

  • ¾ cup pimento cheese spread

  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed

  • 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon white sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • 4 large eggs

  • 3 tablespoons milk

Preparation

Step 1


Gather the ingredients.


Step 2


Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain. Stir in butter, 1/4 cup milk, and cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese package.


Step 3


While macaroni is still hot, stir in Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread, and Italian cheese blend, and continue to stir until melted.


Step 4


Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a container and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.


Step 5


Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator, and using a cookie scoop, scoop into balls. Place mac balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.


Step 6


Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make a breading station: Whisk bread crumbs with paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, salt, and cayenne in a shallow dish; set aside. Beat eggs with 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl. Remove the mac balls from the freezer, coat in egg mixture, and then dredge in breading.


Step 7


Fry the mac balls in hot oil in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate; serve hot.







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