Fried Mac and Goat Cheese Balls with Bacon and Dates

What’s Up, Hungry People

I like to give “adult-ier” makeovers to my favorite foods from my childhood. Mac and cheese was a staple in my house growing up, but it wasn’t until college that I had mac and cheese balls for the first time. Since then, I’ve been on an obsessive hunt to make the best mac bites in town, and today, I think I might have done it.

These mac and cheese balls are rolled in a thick breading and then fried until golden brown. You could also bake the mac balls if you don’t have a way of frying. I first fried mine and then froze the leftovers for reheating in the oven later.

You can make the mac and cheese balls any size you want. Mine came out a little bit bigger than I probably would have preferred, but the guests at our engagement party loved that they could eat the whole thing in just two or three bites.

Rolling them bigger than a bite-sized snack makes them the perfect finger food or easy dinner.

I gave my mac and cheese balls a hearty drizzle of sweet and sticky balsamic vinegar, which plays beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the goat cheese and bacon.

Here’s What You Need

• Macaroni noodles – The base of the dish, providing structure and a classic taste.
• Bacon – Adds a savory, smoky flavor.
• Salted butter – For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• Onion – Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic – Enhances the savory depth with a subtle kick.
• Beer – Adds a complex, malty flavor to the sauce.
• Flour – Thickens the sauce, creating a smooth texture.
• Sweet bell peppers – Introduce a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
• Dates – Add a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
• Milk – Helps to create a creamy sauce.
• Buttermilk – Adds tanginess and helps with breading.
• Cheddar cheese – Melts into a gooey, flavorful sauce.
• Goat cheese – Adds a tangy, creamy element.
• Green onion – Provides a fresh, slightly pungent flavor.
• Bread crumbs – Create a crispy, golden crust.
• Eggs – Bind the breading to the mac and cheese balls.
• Vegetable oil – For frying the balls to a perfect crisp.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds a sweet, tangy finish.
• Fresh parsley – For a fresh garnish and color contrast.

Let’s Cook

First, cook the macaroni noodles according to the instructions on the box. Drain them and let them cool completely.

Prepare the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s just shy of being crispy. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside to dry on paper towels. Once dried, finely chop the bacon.

Sauté the Vegetables

Without cleaning the skillet, add the butter. As it melts, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where the flavor is! Add the onions to the skillet and sauté them until they’re golden and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, another 2-3 minutes.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the beer and bring the liquid to a rolling simmer. Let it reduce until the spoon leaves trails in the pan and the volume has halved. Lower the heat to medium-low. Sift in 1 cup of flour and stir until it absorbs the liquid and starts to look dry. Toss in the chopped sweet peppers and ¼ cup of dates. Stir until combined, then slowly pour in ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of buttermilk. Stir until a smooth roux forms. Add the cubed cheddar cheese and goat cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is golden and smooth, about 10 minutes.

Combine with Macaroni

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni noodles. Add the green onion, the remaining ¼ cup of dates, and the chopped bacon. Stir until everything is well combined. Chill the mac and cheese mixture until it’s cold, about 1-2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for forming solid balls that hold their shape.

Form the Balls

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out the mac and cheese mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Set Up Breading Station

In four separate bowls, set up the remaining flour, buttermilk, bread crumbs, and whisked eggs. It’s best to have them in this order.

Bread the Balls

Dredge the mac and cheese balls first in flour until completely covered. Then roll the balls in the buttermilk, followed by the bread crumbs. Roll the balls next in the whisked eggs. Let the excess drip off, then roll the balls once more in the bread crumbs. The balls should have a thick breading.

Fry the Balls

Preheat 3-4 inches of oil in a large pot or set your deep fryer to 325°F. Fry the mac and cheese balls for 5-6 minutes in batches of 2-4, depending on how many can fit in your pot without overcrowding. The balls should be at least halfway to fully covered in oil to prevent splitting while cooking.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the balls hot with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a dash of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese Balls

• Chill the mixture well: Make sure the mac and cheese mixture is thoroughly chilled before forming balls. This helps them hold their shape.
• Double breading: For an extra crispy exterior, don’t skip the double breading process. It makes a big difference in texture.
• Oil temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 325°F. If the oil is too hot, the balls might burn on the outside before heating through.
• Freezing leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Alternative baking: If frying isn’t an option, bake the mac and cheese balls at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

These mac and cheese balls are the perfect way to transform a childhood favorite into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or fun dinner. The combination of crispy exterior, gooey cheese, savory bacon, and sweet dates creates a mouth-watering bite that will impress any guest.

The balsamic drizzle adds a tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, these mac and cheese bites are sure to hit the spot. So Hungry People, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious mac and cheese balls!

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