Heart-Healthy Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Indulge in the nostalgic comfort of mac and cheese with a heart-healthy twist by trying these baked (not deep-fried!) mac and cheese balls. Made with whole grain elbow macaroni, low-fat cheeses, and creamy Greek yogurt, this recipe is packed with flavor but light on guilt. Seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion powder, and paprika, each bite delivers a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating that’s achieved by baking instead of frying. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun entrée, these delicious morsels are easy to prepare, taking just under an hour, and are a healthier spin on the classic indulgent snack. Get ready to enjoy all the cheesy goodness you crave while embracing heart-smart ingredients!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole grain elbow macaroni
• 1.5 cups low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole grain elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Step 3

Stir in the low-fat plain Greek yogurt until the cheese starts to melt and forms a creamy sauce.

Step 4

Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until lightly frothy. In another dish, spread the whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and form it into a ball.

Step 8

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.

Step 9

Place the coated mac and cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10

Lightly spray or brush the mac and cheese balls with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy fried mac and cheese balls!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(797.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2288.6

Total Fat 66.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 102.2mg	0%
Sodium 3736.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 15.1g
Protein 134.6g	0%

Vitamin D 36IU	0%
Calcium 1926.0mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 1450.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.3%

Protein: 24.5%

Carbs: 48.3%