High Protein Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Elevate your appetizer game with these High Protein Fried Mac and Cheese Balls—rich, crispy, and packed with a satisfying boost of protein! This recipe takes the classic comfort food to the next level by incorporating unflavored or cheese-flavored protein powder into the creamy cheddar cheese sauce, making it a guilt-free indulgence that's perfect for gym-goers and snack lovers alike. Each bite delivers a heavenly combination of gooey, cheesy macaroni encased in a golden, crunchy panko-Parmesan crust. With just 45 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish is an ideal crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or a cozy treat at home. Serve them hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauces and watch them vanish in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 scoop protein powder (unflavored or cheese flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and protein powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 6

Once firm, use a scoop or your hands to form the mac and cheese into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 7

In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10

Fry the mac and cheese balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot.

Step 11

Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 12

Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1639.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8954.2

Total Fat 823.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 164.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 697.1mg	0%
Sodium 3980.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.8g
Protein 148.5g	0%

Vitamin D 229.8IU	0%
Calcium 2133.3mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 913.8mg	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: 81.8%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 11.7%