Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 box (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
- Stir in macaroni. Let cool slightly.
- Form macaroni mixture into 1-inch balls.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together egg and panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll macaroni balls in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry macaroni balls until golden brown and heated through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per ball
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside
- Fun and easy to eat
- Great for parties or as an appetizer
User Comments:
- "These mac and cheese balls were a hit at my party! They were so delicious and easy to make."
- "I love that these are fried, it gives them such a great crunch."
- "The perfect comfort food. These balls are creamy, cheesy, and totally addictive."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- To ensure the macaroni balls hold their shape, let the mac and cheese mixture cool slightly before forming into balls.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the macaroni balls. This will cause them to steam instead of fry and become soggy.
- Serve these balls immediately to enjoy their crispy exterior.
