Fried Mac and Cheese Balls with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls with Creamy Tomato Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful crunch on the outside and a creamy, cheesy center. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, from casual game days to festive parties. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they are sure to impress guests of all ages. Paired with a luscious tomato sauce, these golden bites elevate your appetizer game to a whole new level. Enjoy them as a snack or a starter, and watch as they disappear in no time!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce; let cool slightly before shaping into balls.
- Dip each ball into beaten egg, then coat with flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry balls until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, simmer diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for about 7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (90g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg