Skip to main content
Smithfield
Appetizers

Fried Mac N Cheese Balls with Ham

alarm
Total Time:
45 mins
school
Skill Level:
Intermediate
restaurant_menu
Servings:
12 Servings

Perfect for movie nights, game days, or potlucks, this comfort-classic appetizer with ham will disappear in minutes! Crispy on the outside w View More expand_more

Perfect for movie nights, game days, or potlucks, this comfort-classic appetizer with ham will disappear in minutes! Crispy on the outside with creamy & cheesy goodness oozing on the inside. Kick these Mac ‘n’ Cheese Balls up a notch with Kretschmar’s deliciously juicy Off the Bone Ham to add robust meaty flavor, subtle smokiness, and a hint of sweetness. Garnish with fresh chives, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch these tasty bites go!

Share:
Print:
Fried Mac N Cheese Balls with Ham
alarm
Total Time:
45 mins
school
Skill Level:
Intermediate
restaurant_menu
Servings:
12 Servings

Ingredients


Product ImageOff the Bone Ham with Natural Juices
1/2 Pound
Kretschmar Off the Bone Ham, Diced
1/2 Pound
2 Tablespoons
Fresh Chives, Chopped
2 Tablespoons
1 Package
Macaroni and Cheese Mix
1 Package
2 Tablespoons
Butter
2 Tablespoons
1/4 Cup
Milk
1/4 Cup
1 Cup
Kretschmar Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1 Cup
3/4 Cup
Pimento Cheese Spread
3/4 Cup
1/2 Teaspoon
Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon
1/2 Teaspoon
Chili Powder
1/2 Teaspoon
1/2 Teaspoon
Black Pepper Ground
1/2 Teaspoon
1/4 Teaspoon
Salt
1/4 Teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper, To Taste
4 Whole
Eggs
4 Whole
3 Tablespoons
Milk
3 Tablespoons
3 Cups
Canola or Vegetable Oil, For Frying or as much as needed
3 Cups

Directions


  1. FILL a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain. Stir in the 2 tablespoons butter, the 1/4 cup milk, and the cheese packet from the package.

  2. STIR in the Cheddar cheese, pimento cheese spread and Kretschmar Ham dices while the macaroni is still hot and continue to stir until melted. Place the macaroni and cheese mixture in a container and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

  3. LINE a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator and use a cookie scoop to scoop the macaroni into balls. Place macaroni balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.

  4. HEAT oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  5. WHISK bread crumbs with paprika, chili powder, black pepper and cayenne in a shallow dish and set aside. Beat the eggs with the 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl. Remove the mac balls from the freezer, coat in the egg wash, and then dredge in your breading.

  6. FRY the macaroni and cheese balls in small batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot. Dip in sauce of your choice if desired.

Made for More

Ingredients


1/2 Pound
Kretschmar Off the Bone Ham, Diced
1/2 Pound
2 Tablespoons
Fresh Chives, Chopped
2 Tablespoons
1 Package
Macaroni and Cheese Mix
1 Package
2 Tablespoons
Butter
2 Tablespoons
1/4 Cup
Milk
1/4 Cup
1 Cup
Kretschmar Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1 Cup
3/4 Cup
Pimento Cheese Spread
3/4 Cup
1/2 Teaspoon
Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon
1/2 Teaspoon
Chili Powder
1/2 Teaspoon
1/2 Teaspoon
Black Pepper Ground
1/2 Teaspoon
1/4 Teaspoon
Salt
1/4 Teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper, To Taste
4 Whole
Eggs
4 Whole
3 Tablespoons
Milk
3 Tablespoons
3 Cups
Canola or Vegetable Oil, For Frying or as much as needed
3 Cups

Suggested Recipes

Spiced Pineapple Skewers
alarm
30 mins
school
Beginner
restaurant_menu
4 Servings
alarm30 mins
schoolBeginner
restaurant_menu4 Servings

Spiced Pineapple Skewers
star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
(0 Reviews)
Eggs Benedict with Avocado Crema Sauce
alarm
14 mins
school
Beginner
restaurant_menu
2 Servings
alarm14 mins
schoolBeginner
restaurant_menu2 Servings

star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
(0 Reviews)
Savory Ham and Cheese Biscuit Sliders with Honey Drizzle
alarm
25 mins
school
Intermediate
restaurant_menu
12 Servings
alarm25 mins
schoolIntermediate
restaurant_menu12 Servings

star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border
(0 Reviews)

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Loading...

Made for more
Kretschmar
Join Our Conversation
Join the ClubJoin our Friends and Family club for exclusive deals and personalized recipes straight to your inbox!
By clicking Subscribe, you're saying yes to our Privacy Policy. Don't worry, we handle your data like we handle our products – with lots of care and flavor. No spam, only the good stuff.© 2024 Smithfield Foods, Inc. All rights reserved.