Fried Mac & Cheese Balls | Vegan on a Budget | What to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko crumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers provide a similar texture at a lower cost.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive than vegetable oil.

Take leftover mac and cheese from the refrigerator; it's cold.

Scoop out some mac and cheese and press it down with your thumb to create a well.

Stuff the well with collard greens and a meat substitute like vegan turkey.

Seal the mac and cheese around the filling, adding more mac and cheese if needed to close it up.

Place the stuffed balls on parchment paper and put them in the freezer for about 2 hours to firm up.

Wash your hands between each ball to prevent stickiness, which can cause the balls to fall apart.

Prepare the breading station after forming all the balls.

Coat the balls in flour by dropping flour onto them instead of rolling them in flour to prevent loosening.

Pour vegan buttermilk over the coated balls, then add panko bread crumbs and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a fryer to at least 350°F (175°C).

Add the balls to the hot oil using a slotted spoon, ensuring they are almost fully covered in oil and not overcrowded in the pan.

Fry the balls for about 2 to 2.5 minutes until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens