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