Baked macaroni and cheese balls are a delicious and fun appetizer or snack that is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a weeknight treat. They are made with leftover macaroni and cheese, which is then rolled into balls, breaded, and baked. The result is a crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside bite of deliciousness.
1cupparmesan herb bread crumbsyou can use plain breadcrumbs or even gluten free if desired
4tablespoonolive or canola oil
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, then set aside while you prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan, combine the pureed squash, broth, milk, pepper, salt and one tablespoon flour over medium heat. Heat just until boiling, then reduce heat to low and slowly stir in cheeses. Once cheese is melted, stir in the pasta and coat in the cheese mixture.
Place macaroni and cheese into the refrigerator to allow it to cool.
When macaroni has cooled, form into tablespoon sized balls and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet or scoop mixture into lightly greased mini muffin tins. Place mixture in freezer and allow mixture to freeze for at least one hour.
Right before taking the macaroni out of the freezer, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Remove the macaroni from the freezer. Roll each macaroni ball completely in the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumbs. Place the macaroni on parchment lined baking sheets. If you used the mini muffin cups to freeze, do not place them back into the muffin cups. You will need to move them to a parchment lined baking sheet.
Place the macaroni balls into the oven and cook at 425 degrees for ten minutes. After ten minutes, flip each macaroni ball to the other side to allow for even cooking. Cook for an additional seven minutes. For crispier macaroni, turn the broiler on and broil them for an additional thirty seconds to a minute after cooking before flipping and broiling on the other side. The macaroni is done when it is browned.
Remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.
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