Mac and cheese balls! Mac and cheese is great as is of course. It can be made more fun if you put it on a Pizza, sandwich, wrap or bake it up into crispy spicy breaded baked mac and cheese balls!
Creamy mac and cheese with extra sauce that thickens considerably after sitting in the refrigerator works best. I used my Masala mac. Added some tomato paste, breaded and baked it, spiced it up with a drizzle of Sriracha before serving.
There are many ways to make mac balls. Most require some freezing time so the balls can hold their shape while you handle them for the breading. I reduced all that time by using a bowl to pack the mac in and then sprinkling the breaking on it. This way it is easier and less messy. You can use the freezing method for sturdier balls.
More fun baked stuff from the blog
- Spicy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Celery Ranch. Vegan
- Nacho Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Baked Lentil split Pea Falafel Bowl
Recipe Card
Spicy Mac and Cheese Balls Baked
Ingredients
- 1 recipe of my masala mac or spicy mac
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
For the breading:
- 3/4 cup (81 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
- 3/4 to 1 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) paprika
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) garlic granules
- 2 tsp italian herb blend
Instructions
- Make the mac and cheese. Mix in the tomato paste and let it chill overnight.
- To Bake: Mix everything under breadcrumbs.
- Remove the mac from refrigerator. Dip a round bottom 1/4 cup or smaller round bowl type container in a bowl water to wet the cup. Pack 3 to 4 tablespoons worth mac in the container. sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on the open end of the cup and press to stick the breading as well as pack the mac well. Tap to release onto a baking sheet. Dip the cup in water again to rinse and wet and Repeat for the rest of the mac. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture liberally on the mac balls and press. Spray oil on the balls.
- Alternatively, use your hands to make balls of the mac, place in breadcrumb mixture to coat and then place on baking sheet. You can freeze the balls for 10 minutes at this point. I usually dont because I can't wait :). Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees F / 230ºc. Spray oil on the balls.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes at 450 degrees F / 230ºc or until crisp to touch. Drizzle with sriracha and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Emily
Wow!! I made these. Were a hit with the family!
Pongodhall
Just marvellous. I had to put it on Twitter as it is so very innovative and I have shared to family already too!
Ps it is FIVE STAR but I could not get it to go!
Richa
Press the balls in really well to pack them in the scoop so they will stay together.
Emily Dubois
This looks like heaven. Like, if I could eat this for the rest of my life and still be fit and healthy I would be the happiest girl in the world! I honestly can’t wait to try this!!
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship
This is such a brilliant idea! Because there is no room in the freezer for making mac and cheese balls! And I love how you add srirarcha- because- yum! And it makes your photos look even more gorgeous.
The Holistic Herbivore
These look like the ultimate comfort food! Yum!
Belle Ball
Looks like another winner!
Caitlin
these look phenomenal and so full of flavor! YUM.
Cassie
Wow, what a clever recipe! I never thought of rolling the pasta into balls!