Texas Queso Fried Mac Balls (Print View)

Crispy, cheesy mac balls filled with spicy queso, ideal for appetizers or snacks.

# Components:

→ For the Macaroni and Cheese Base

01 - 9 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For the Queso Center

11 - 1 cup processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta), cubed
12 - 2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeños
13 - 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes, drained
14 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ For Breading and Frying

15 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
16 - 2 large eggs, beaten
17 - 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
18 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
19 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
20 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Stir in cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly combined. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and allow to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine processed cheese, diced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted. Let cool completely.
07 - Take 2 tablespoons of chilled macaroni and cheese mixture and flatten into a disc. Place 1 teaspoon of the cooled queso filling in the center. Encase the filling with the macaroni and cheese, forming a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
08 - Place all-purpose flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, and garlic powder in a third.
09 - Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture.
10 - Place the breaded balls in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before frying.
11 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and drain on paper towels.
12 - Serve hot. Optionally, accompany with ranch dressing or salsa for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour including chill time
  • Perfect make-ahead party food that wows every crowd
  • Customizable spice level to suit your taste preferences
  • Freezer-friendly for last-minute entertaining
02 -
  • These balls retain their shape better when the mac and cheese base is fully chilled
  • The queso filling can be prepared up to three days in advance
  • Double-breading creates an extra-crispy exterior that prevents oil absorption
  • Using a cookie scoop ensures uniformly sized balls for even cooking
03 -
  • Always grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • For an extra layer of flavor toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until light golden before using
  • If oil temperature drops too much between batches allow it to come back to temperature before adding more balls
  • Leftover balls can be reheated in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy exterior

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