Crispy Gourmet Mac & Cheese Balls
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Crispy Gourmet Mac & Cheese Balls, a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy exterior. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings, game-day snacks, or any time you're craving comfort food. The secret lies in the blend of rich cheddar and smoky gouda that creates a heavenly filling, all encased in a golden, crispy crust. While they may seem sophisticated, these mac and cheese balls are surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy them alongside zesty marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce for a perfect dipping experience.
10
Servings
270
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions and rinsed with cold water)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
milk
2 cups (warmed)
milk
2 tablespoons (for egg wash)
grated cheddar cheese
1 lb (no preparation needed)
grated smoked gouda cheese
1 lb (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
seasoned bread crumbs
3 cups (no preparation needed)
vegetable oil
for frying (heated in a deep-fat fryer)
marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce
to serve (warmed for dipping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
22g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Gourmet Mac & Cheese Balls?
They are a gourmet snack featuring a creamy interior of cheddar and smoked gouda cheese, coated in bread crumbs and fried until golden and crunchy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
What specific cheeses are used in the gourmet filling?
The recipe uses a blend of 1 lb of grated cheddar cheese and 1 lb of grated smoked gouda cheese.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
You should use 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
What dipping sauces pair well with these mac and cheese balls?
They are best served with warmed marinara sauce or creamy Alfredo sauce.
How should the macaroni be prepared initially?
The macaroni should be cooked according to the package instructions and then rinsed with cold water.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 12g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs are required for the coating process?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, beaten, for the egg wash.
What kind of bread crumbs are recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of seasoned bread crumbs to create the crispy exterior.
What oil is best for frying these snacks?
Vegetable oil is recommended for use in a deep-fat fryer.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
While they look sophisticated, the recipe states they are surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include snacks, comfort food, fried, cheesy, gourmet, and party food.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How is the milk used in this recipe?
Two cups of warmed milk are used for the cheese sauce, and two tablespoons are used for the egg wash.
What makes the filling 'heavenly' according to the description?
The secret is the blend of rich cheddar and smoky gouda cheese.
What are the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 13 ingredients in total including the optional dipping sauces.
When is the best time to serve these?
They are perfect for family gatherings, game-day snacks, or as a fun appetizer for parties.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of grated cheddar cheese.
How much smoked gouda is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of grated smoked gouda cheese.
Should the milk for the sauce be cold or warm?
The milk for the sauce should be warmed before being added.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.
How is the flour prepared?
The all-purpose flour requires no special preparation before being added to the roux.
What is the texture of the exterior?
The exterior is described as a golden, crispy crust.
What is the prep for the butter?
The butter should be melted before use.
Are there any dietary fiber or sugar details available?
No, the nutritional information for fiber and sugar is not provided for this recipe.
Why rinse the macaroni with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and makes the pasta easier to handle when forming the balls.