Irresistible BBQ Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: Your New Favorite Crispy Snack
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these phenomenal BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls! Imagine golden, perfectly crispy spheres, each bursting with a creamy, spicy, and deeply flavorful BBQ-seasoned macaroni and cheese filling. These aren’t just any mac and cheese balls; they are a culinary masterpiece designed to make your taste buds sing. And to take them to an even higher level, we’re pairing them with an incredibly simple, yet utterly addictive, BBQ blue cheese dipping sauce. Once you experience this combination, you might just declare all other mac and cheese obsolete. It’s time to indulge in this unbelievably delicious treat!
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own. We appreciate you supporting the fantastic brands that help make Cake ‘n Knife possible!
The Ultimate Snack Fusion: BBQ and Fried Goodness
When it comes to satisfying my snack cravings, I confess to having a definitive weakness: anything BBQ and anything fried. Separately, these are already champions in the world of comfort food. But together? That’s where true magic happens! I know what you might be thinking – “deep-fried ribs?” No, we’re not quite going that far (though, no judgment if that’s your thing!). We’re talking about a more refined, yet equally indulgent, fusion that brings out the best of both worlds. The smoky, sweet, and sometimes spicy notes of BBQ harmonizing with the unbeatable crunch of a perfectly fried exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior.
It’s been a challenge to keep this incredible recipe under wraps, and I’m absolutely thrilled to finally share these little golden nuggets of culinary delight with you. These BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls aren’t just delicious; they’re a revelation. They transform the beloved classic comfort food into an exciting new experience. Trust me, after just one bite of their crispy, cheesy, and spicy goodness, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to go back to eating mac and cheese in its traditional form. This recipe will redefine your expectations for what macaroni and cheese can be.
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Unlocking Explosive Flavor with Head Country Bar-B-Q
The true magic of these crispy bites isn’t merely found in their fried, cheesy core. Oh no, my friends, it runs much deeper! A significant portion of that spicy, sassy, and undeniably delicious BBQ flavor nestled within these golden orbs comes from one exceptional source: my absolute favorite Head Country Bar-B-Q spices! Their commitment to quality and flavor truly shines through in every bite, making them the perfect partner for this epic snack.
To ensure an explosion of flavor with every single mouthful, I’ve incorporated a double dose of Head Country Original Championship Seasoning into this recipe. First, it’s generously mixed into the creamy macaroni and cheese itself, infusing the pasta with its signature blend of savory and subtly spicy notes right from the start. Then, for that extra layer of BBQ goodness and an unparalleled crunch, it’s combined with the panko breadcrumbs, creating an exterior that is as flavorful as it is satisfyingly crispy. This dual application guarantees a rich, balanced BBQ profile from the very first crunch to the last bite.
The Game-Changing BBQ Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
But wait, there’s more! I wasn’t content to stop at just perfectly seasoned fried mac and cheese balls. I wanted to create a dipping experience that would truly elevate this snack to legendary status. So, I crafted a creamy BBQ blue cheese sauce that is guaranteed to blow. your. freaking. mind! This sauce is incredibly simple to make, yet its complex flavor profile provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy, and crispy mac and cheese balls.
Crafting this exquisite dipping sauce is as easy as mixing together Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce with your favorite blue cheese dressing. The result is a lusciously creamy, subtly tart, wonderfully spicy, and tangy sauce that provides a delightful zing to every bite. The robust flavor of the blue cheese cuts through the richness of the fried mac and cheese, while the BBQ sauce amplifies the smoky notes already present in the balls. It’s a match made in flavor heaven, creating a dynamic and unforgettable taste sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Tailgates to Dinner Parties
Honestly, these BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that you need to be whipping up year-round. Whether you’re planning a lively July 4th barbecue, hosting an epic tailgating party before the big game, looking for the perfect appetizer for a holiday gathering, or simply wanting to add some excitement to your next movie night, these crispy treats are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for entertaining, and their unique flavor profile ensures they’ll stand out from the typical snack fare. Prepare to become the host with the most unforgettable appetizers!
If you’re on the hunt for other fantastic crispy snacks to try, be sure to check out these delicious cheese corn balls! They offer another incredible textural experience and are equally delightful for any gathering.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Crispy Mac N Cheese Balls
Making these delicious BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls is straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure they turn out perfectly golden and crispy every time.
- Chill Thoroughly: The most crucial step is ensuring your macaroni and cheese is very firm before attempting to form balls. Refrigerating for 3-4 hours or freezing for 1.5-2 hours allows the mac and cheese to solidify, making it much easier to shape and preventing it from falling apart in the hot oil. Don’t skip this step!
- Even Sizing: Try to make your mac and cheese balls roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking and frying, so you don’t end up with some overcooked and some undercooked. A small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon can help with consistency.
- Proper Coating: When breading, ensure each ball is fully coated in flour, then egg, then the seasoned panko. Press the panko firmly onto the balls to create a thick, even crust. This is what gives them their incredible crispiness and prevents cheese from leaking out.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is properly heated through. A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend here.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry in small batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature too drastically. Overcrowding can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked balls. Give them space to swim and crisp up!
- Drain Properly: Once fried to a beautiful golden brown, transfer the mac and cheese balls to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them deliciously crisp.
These simple techniques will help you master the art of making perfectly crispy and flavorful BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls, guaranteeing rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try them.
Be sure to check out the recipe video below to see just how awesome this recipe is AND how incredibly easy it is to make! Seeing the process in action makes it even more approachable.
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Essential Tools and Ingredients for Your BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls
To ensure your BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, here are a few must-have tools and ingredients that will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven: This heavy-duty pot is ideal for deep frying, maintaining consistent oil temperatures and ensuring those golden, delicious bites of heaven fry up with ease! Its excellent heat retention makes it a kitchen workhorse.
- Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Stainless Steel Spider Strainer: An absolute necessity for safely removing your fried mac and cheese balls from hot oil. This tool prevents any nasty burns and allows you to quickly and efficiently transfer the crispy balls to drain.
- Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Hot & Spicy AND Head Country Championship Seasoning, Original, Sweet & Spicy, High Plains Heat: These are the stars of the show! You’ll need the Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce for that incredible dipping sauce, and the Original Championship Seasoning for infusing the mac and cheese with its signature BBQ flavor. The three-pack seasoning set is a fantastic way to ensure you have plenty on hand for this recipe and for experimenting with other dishes – it’s a win-win!
BBQ Fried Mac N Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s cold and firm)
- 2 Tbsp + 3 tsp Head Country Original Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to be 3-4 inches deep in your pot)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives (for garnish, optional)
- 1/2 cup Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
Instructions
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Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Stir in 3 tsp of Head Country Original Seasoning into the cooked macaroni and cheese. Ensure it’s well combined. Cover the pasta tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or freeze for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until it is very firm. This step is crucial for easy handling and preventing the balls from falling apart during frying.
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Heat the Oil: While the mac and cheese chills, prepare your frying station. Heat enough vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 3 to 4 inches deep. Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil maintains a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C).
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Form the Balls: Once the macaroni and cheese is firm, use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to take out 1 to 2 Tbsp portions and form them into tight balls. Place the formed balls on a plate or baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator to keep them firm until you are ready to fry.
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Prepare the Breading Station – Flour: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. This will be your first coating layer.
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Prepare the Breading Station – Panko: In a separate shallow bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of Head Country Original Seasoning with the Panko breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed. This will be your final, flavor-packed crispy layer.
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Bred the Mac N Cheese Balls: Working one at a time, dip each mac and cheese ball into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll the ball in the seasoned Panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coating all around. Repeat with all the balls.
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Fry the Balls: Carefully add the breaded mac and cheese balls to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the Dutch oven. Fry until they are evenly golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use your spider strainer to remove the cooked balls and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce and the blue cheese dressing until smooth and well combined.
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Serve: Garnish the fried mac and cheese balls with fresh chopped chives, if desired, and serve them immediately alongside the creamy BBQ blue cheese sauce. Enjoy your ultimate snack!