Search for a recipe: appetizer

Easy Entertaining Appetizer Platter

Easy Entertaining Appetizer Platter

Easy Entertaining Platter is just that, simple and versatile. My family doesn’t entertain nearly as much as before. However, we love making cheeseboards and platters for family and close friends. I will share a few more boards and ideas such as this one with you read more

Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Appetizers

Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Appetizers

Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Appetizers are perfect bites to serve over joyous holidays. However, in my humble opinion, these are divine perfection all year round. Sometimes, instead of these rather gourmet crackers, I would serve it with toasted bruschetta. It is just so fancy, yet read more

Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

A Delicious Way to Use Leftover Mac and Cheese.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about giving leftovers a second life, especially after the holidays when the fridge is packed, everyone is snacking, and no one is really in the mood for a big, proper meal. That’s exactly how these Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls happened.

I had some of my Cajun Baked Mac and Cheese (the recipe from my blog… and yes, it gets even better the next day), a small chunk of mozzarella that was begging to be used, and the tiniest spark of motivation to turn it into something fun, cozy, and a little indulgent.

Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

The moment I started mixing everything, I just knew they were going to be a hit. The leftover Cajun mac already has so much flavor, and when you fold in freshly shredded mozzarella? Oh my goodness.

The inside turns creamy, stretchy, and dreamy, and the outside, once you fry them, gets that perfect golden crunch that’s borderline addictive. 

It’s the kind of snack that makes your family casually wander into the kitchen pretending they’re doing something else… but really just waiting for the first batch to hit the plate.

Golden brown fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a plate

And mine? They didn’t even pretend. They devoured them. Gone. Vanished. Not a crumb left. When leftovers of leftovers disappear that fast, you know the recipe is a keeper.

What I love most is how versatile these are. Make them a little bigger, a little smaller, freeze them for another day. And you can fry them in neutral oil, and they turn out delicious every time. 

They’re perfect for that post-holiday stretch when you want something comforting without starting all over again. A little flour, egg, milk, panko, and seasoning are all it takes to turn yesterday’s mac and cheese into a snack worthy of a party board or a quiet night in.

Golden brown fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a plate

If you’re anything like me, and end up with holiday leftovers crowding your fridge. Or if you love a good cozy snack, please try these.

They’re easy, budget-friendly, and honestly addictive. And if you’re feeding teenagers, a hungry husband, football-watchers, or just yourself on a quiet evening… these never disappoint.

Serve them with marinara, ranch, BBQ sauce, aioli, or, honestly, nothing at all. They’re that good. And don’t be surprised if your family starts hoping for leftover mac and cheese more often… just so these can happen again.

Golden brown crispy fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a plate

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Sandra’s Note

I have to admit, I love a good leftover transformation. It’s one of my favorite little kitchen joys, taking something I already made and turning it into something completely new and fun.

These Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls happened on a lazy, rainy day. When I opened the fridge, I saw my Cajun Baked Mac and Cheese sitting there in my baking dish… and thought, “Alright… what can we do with you today?”

And wow, did these surprise me. Mixing in that bit of mozzarella and rolling them in my quick little flour–egg–panko setup turned a simple leftover into something my whole family devoured within minutes. They didn’t even wait for them to cool down properly. I barely had time to grab my camera.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about giving leftovers a second life—especially after the holidays when the fridge is packed, everyone is snacking, and no one is really in the mood for a big, proper meal. That’s exactly how these Leftover Crispy Fried Mac & Mozzarella Cheese Balls happened.

What I love most is that these feel like a treat without requiring much effort at all. 

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this little leftover magic as much as we did. I might start making extra mac and cheese so that I have an excuse to fry up a batch of these again.

If you’re new here, stop by my About page. Learn more about my food stories, background, and the joy I find behind the lens.

 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about giving leftovers a second life—especially after the holidays when the fridge is packed, everyone is snacking, and no one is really in the mood for a big, proper meal. That’s exactly how these Leftover Crispy Fried Mac & Mozzarella Cheese Balls happened.
Yield: 9 medium balls (3–4 oz each, or slightly smaller)

Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

These Crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Balls were born from holiday leftovers, but they've become a family favorite... crispy, cheesy, comforting, and impossible to stop eating.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover mac and cheese (baked), 400–450 g (read notes)
  • 2 oz shredded mozzarella, 55 g
  • 1 large egg, mixed, 50 g
  • Splash of milk, 15 ml
  • ½ cup flour, 65 g
  • 2 tsp cornstarch, 6 g
  • ½ tsp garlic powder, 1.5 g
  • ½ tsp paprika, 1.5 g
  • Pinch of salt, 1 g
  • 1–1½ cups panko breadcrumbs, 50–75 g
  • ½ cup neutral oil (avocado, canola) or lard, 120 ml (more if needed)

Instructions

  1. Mix leftover mac and cheese with shredded mozzarella until fully combined.
  2. Shape into balls slightly larger than golf balls
  3. Prepare three bowls:
  • Bowl 1: flour + cornstarch with paprika & garilic powder
  • Bowl 2: beaten egg + splash of milk
  • Bowl 3: panko breadcrumbs

4. Roll each ball in flour, dip it in egg, then coat it in panko.

5. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes (or freeze for later).

6. Heat oil over medium-high.

7. Fry until golden and crisp, 2–3 minutes per side.

8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Golden brown fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a plate

Tips for Making Perfect Fried Mac & Cheese Balls (Baked or Stovetop)

1. Texture matters most.

  • Baked mac and cheese is usually firmer, so it’s easiest to scoop and roll straight from the fridge.
  • Stovetop mac and cheese tends to be creamier or looser, so it may need a little help to hold its shape.

2. If using baked mac and cheese:

  • Cold leftovers are ideal — they hold together beautifully.
  • Add mozzarella or a spoonful of flour only if the mixture feels too crumbly.
  • Press firmly when shaping the balls so everything sticks together.

3. If using stovetop mac and cheese:

  • Stir in a bit of shredded mozzarella or even 1–2 tablespoons of flour to help bind.
  • Chill the mixture in the freezer for 20–30 minutes so it firms up enough to roll.
  • Don’t skip this step... cold mixture = fewer broken balls.

4. Use the three-step coating method (flour → egg → panko).

  • The flour sticks to the mac.
  • The egg sticks to the flour.
  • The panko sticks to the egg.
  • This gives you that crispy, golden shell that won’t fall apart in the oil.

5. Chill again after coating.

  • Even 15–20 minutes in the fridge helps the breading stick and keeps the balls from cracking while frying.

6. Don’t use super high heat.

  • Medium to medium-high is perfect.
  • Too hot = outside burns before the inside warms.
  • Too low = they absorb oil.

7. Flip gently and don’t overcrowd.

  • Give them space so they brown evenly.
  • Overcrowding cools the oil and makes it soggy.

8. Let them rest for a few minutes after frying.

  • The cheese settles.
  • The coating crisps up even more.
  • Nobody burns their tongue (hopefully!).

Nutrition Information

Yield

9

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 421Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 12gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 81mgSodium 415mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 16g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Phyllo Dough Beef Rolls

Phyllo Dough Beef Rolls

Stuffed with seasoned ground beef and onions, these flaky phyllo rolls are a protein-rich treat you can enjoy as a meal, snack, or party appetizer. My whole family loves them just as much as I do—and honestly, anyone who loves pastry, beef, and finger foods read more

No Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip

No Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip

  When it comes to creating the perfect appetizer, simplicity often reigns supreme. This recipe was initially intended as a Three-Ingredient No Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip.  However, to ensure transparency and avoid any potential backlash on social media, let’s be honest: we will be incorporating read more

Charcuterie Snack Plates

Charcuterie Snack Plates

Charcuterie Snack Plates

When it comes to Charcuterie Snack Plates, the possibilities are truly endless.

You can easily put together a plate that suits your guests’ preferences, whether you have one or ten of them. It’s a great option, especially if you have vegetarian friends, as you can create a plate just for them in under 10 minutes.

I usually make these snack plates for my family or when I have friends over, but my kids often request them for movie nights or our mini sporting event watch parties.

Charcuterie Snack Plates

I make use of whatever ingredients I have on hand, even if I’m short on time.

Alternatively, I do a bit of planning to ensure my Charcuterie Snack Plates look just the way I want them to.

For this particular plate, I opted for quick combinations that complement each other. I included boiled eggs wrapped in prosciutto, a variety of cheeses, crackers, and, of course, pickles.

With that being said you can use whatever you wish and create your snack plates, but you can most definitely use my post and my plates as a guide to start if you do not know where to start.

I know one thing everyone loves them no matter what combo you use.

Charcuterie Snack Plates

Additionally, I sliced sweet mini peppers in half and filled them with delicious full-fat ricotta cheese, sprinkled with seasoning like everything bagel or Mediterranean Spice Blend. To add a finishing touch, I included salted nuts.

These snack plates are simple, elegant, and delicious. They are a perfect addition to any party or a delightful treat for yourself.

Who loves making them?

If you are inspired by me to create your own Charcuterie Snack Plates, please tag me on social media. Thanks for your support! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; search @sandraseasycooking

Recipes you might like:

Movie Night Snack Plates

Waffle Breakfast Board

Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos

Oval Pizza Boats

Charcuterie Snack Plates
Yield: PARTY FOOD

Charcuterie Snack Plates

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Charcuterie Snack Plates

Ingredients

  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Two types of cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Crackers
  • Sweet Peppers, sliced
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Seasoning; Mediterranean Spice Blend
  • Prosciutto
  • Dry Salami
  • Kosher pickles
  • Nuts, walnuts, pistachio, etc.
  • Fresh herbs as decoration such as thyme, basil or rosemary

Instructions

  1. You can arrange whatever you want, and use whatever ingredients you want.
  2. I just wrote products that I used, and not necessarily brands. You can use brands that you love.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest