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Crispy Fried Mac And Cheese Balls With Chipotle Cheese Swirl 1772027995.3776896

Crispy Fried Mac And Cheese Balls With Chipotle Cheese Swirl


  • Author: Nicole Martinez
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 20 balls 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

These fried mac and cheese balls are elevated with a smoky, spicy chipotle cheese swirl, offering a crispy exterior and gooey interior. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this recipe combines classic comfort food with a flavorful kick.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250g (2 cups) Elbow Macaroni: For a classic mac and cheese shape.
  • 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
  • 30g (2 tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy sauce texture.
  • 250g (2 cups) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (halal-certified): The main cheese component.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt: Enhances flavors.
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper: Adds subtle spice.
  • 100g (1 cup) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for chipotle swirl): For the flavorful swirl.
  • 60ml (0.25 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the swirl.
  • 1 tsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced: Provides heat and smoky flavor.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for chipotle sauce): Complements the chipotle.
  • 100g (0.75 cup) All-Purpose Flour (for coating): First layer of the crispy coating.
  • 2 large Eggs + 2 tbsp Milk (egg wash): Helps panko adhere.
  • 150g (1.5 cups) Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for a crispy texture.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (mixed into breadcrumbs): Adds smoky flavor to the coating.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (optional, in breadcrumbs): Adds a subtle herbal note.
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Fresh Cilantro (garnish): Adds a fresh finish.
  • Pinch Smoked Paprika (final sprinkle): Final touch of smoky flavor.

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, and cool.
  2. Create Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute.
  3. Build Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, simmer until thickened.
  4. Incorporate Cheddar: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine & Chill: Add macaroni to sauce, mix, and chill for 30+ minutes.
  6. Prepare Chipotle Swirl: Make a sauce with butter, flour, cream, chipotle, paprika, and cheddar. Cool.
  7. Shape Balls: Roll chilled mixture with chipotle swirl into 2-inch balls.
  8. Coat Balls: Roll in flour, egg wash, then panko breadcrumbs.
  9. Freeze Balls: Freeze coated balls for 15+ minutes.
  10. Fry to Perfection: Fry in 180°C (350°F) oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  11. Drain & Season: Drain on paper towels, dust with paprika.
  12. Plate & Garnish: Arrange, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

Freezing the coated balls is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your spice preference.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: mac and cheese,fried,chipotle,appetizer,comfort food,crispy,cheese balls,party snack