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Under 1 HourDeep-FrySnacksAppetizersComfort Food

Dorito Crusted Fried Mac 'N Cheese Balls

Transform leftover mac and cheese into a delicious appetizer or party snack with these fried delights. Simply mix together cold mac and cheese with more shredded cheese, roll into balls, coat with crushed Cool Ranch Doritos, and fry in hot oil until crunchy on the outside and gooey in the middle for the ultimate cheesy delight.

Katie Aubin
Tasty Team
96% would make again
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

10 minutes

10 min

Dorito Crusted Fried Mac 'N Cheese Balls
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

10 minutes

10 min

Ingredients

for 9 balls

  • 1 14-ounce bag Cool Ranch Doritos
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for binding
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 ½ cups leftover mac and cheese, cold
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 cups canola oil
  • kosher salt, to taste

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 413
  • Fat 32g
  • Carbs 14g
  • Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 15g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. Add the Doritos to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely ground and the texture resembles panko. Pour into a shallow bowl and set aside.
  2. Place 1 cup flour and the beaten eggs into 2 separate shallow bowls. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the leftover mac and cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella until well combined. If the mixture does not stick together, add ¼ cup flour and mix until evenly combined.
  4. Roll about ⅓ cup of the mac and cheese mixture into a compact ball, tightly pressing it together with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese mixture until you have 9 balls.
  5. Transfer the balls to the fridge to stiffen up for about 20 minutes.
  6. Working one at a time, roll the balls in the flour, beaten eggs, then crushed Doritos. Shake off any excess and set the coated ball on a parchment-lined sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining balls.
  7. Heat the canola oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
  8. Working in batches of 2–3 at a time, fry the balls in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!
  10. Love this recipe? Download the Tasty app to save it and discover others like it.

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Dorito Crusted Fried Mac 'N Cheese Balls