Making Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls might seem a little involved, but breaking it down into steps makes it totally manageable. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with golden, cheesy perfection!

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water.
3. Cook to Al Dente: Cook according to package directions, or until the macaroni is al dente, meaning it’s cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the mac and cheese balls.
4. Drain and Rinse: Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
2. Add Flour and Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the base for your cheese sauce. Cook until the roux is smooth and slightly golden, but don’t let it brown too much.
3. Gradually Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the hot sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season to Taste: Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if needed. Remember that the cheese itself is already salty.

Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1. Add Macaroni to Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir to Combine: Stir gently to coat the macaroni evenly with the cheese sauce.
3. Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Spread the mac and cheese mixture in a shallow dish or baking sheet and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. This will take at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight. Chilling the mac and cheese is essential for it to firm up enough to roll into balls and hold its shape during frying.

Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set up Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls or dishes for breading.
2. Bowl 1: Flour (Optional): While not strictly necessary, you can add a bowl with about ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Dredging the mac and cheese balls in flour first can help the egg wash adhere better.
3. Bowl 2: Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk the lightly beaten egg.
4. Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Italian breadcrumbs. Mix them together well.

Step 5: Form and Bread the Mac and Cheese Balls

1. Scoop Mac and Cheese: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons), scoop portions of the chilled mac and cheese.
2. Roll into Balls: Gently roll each portion into a ball shape using your hands. If the mixture is still a bit sticky, you can lightly dampen your hands with water or coat them with a little flour.
3. Bread the Balls (Optional Flour Step): If using the flour step, roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Egg Wash: Dip each floured (or un-floured) mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
5. Breadcrumbs: Dredge each egg-washed ball in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere completely and evenly.
6. Repeat Breading: For an extra crispy coating, you can double bread the mac and cheese balls. After the first breading, dip them back into the egg wash and then again into the breadcrumbs. This is optional but highly recommended for maximum crispiness!
7. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
8. Chill Again (Optional but Recommended): For best results, chill the breaded mac and cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps the breading set and prevents the balls from falling apart during frying.

Step 6: Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls

1. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small breadcrumb into it – if it sizzles and browns in about 15-20 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the breaded mac and cheese balls to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, balls. Fry in batches of 4-6 balls at a time, depending on the size of your pot.
3. Fry until Golden Brown: Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the mac and cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides. The inside is already cooked, so you’re just aiming to heat them through and crisp up the breading.
4. Remove and Drain: Remove the fried mac and cheese balls from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. A wire rack helps keep them crispy by allowing air to circulate underneath.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve Immediately: Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
3. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces for guests to choose from. (See “How to Serve” section below for dipping sauce ideas).