Arsenio’s Chipotle Mac n Cheese Balls
Playful Iguana

Arsenio’s Chipotle Mac n Cheese Balls

Crispy panko-coated macaroni and cheese balls with a smoky chipotle kick and a gooey cheesy center.

97Min
12Servings
285Cal
MediumLevel
Spicy 3/5
#fried#cheesy#spicy#comfort-food

Equipment

Pot
Colander
Pan
Spatula
Whisk
Mixing spoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Bowl
Plate
Tongs

Ingredients

Ingredients

cavatappi pasta (dry)

227 g

butter (room_temperature)

57 g

all-purpose flour

43 g

milk

360 ml

garlic powder

1 tsp

paprika

1 tsp

black pepper

0.5 tsp

chicken bouillon cube (grated)

0.25 piece

chipotle pepper sauce

15 ml

marble cheese (shredded)

100 g

mozzarella cheese (shredded)

100 g

mozzarella cheese (shredded)

100 g

salt

1 tsp

egg (beaten)

2 piece

panko breadcrumbs

200 g

sunflower oil

1000 ml

Instructions

1

Cook the pasta

Cook the cavatappi in salted water until al dente, then drain well.

10 min100°Ctimer 10 min
2

Make the roux

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, paprika and black pepper, then stir in the flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

2 minMedium heattimer 2 min
Cook the roux until it smells nutty but do not let it brown
3

Make the cheese sauce

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the grated chicken bouillon and chipotle pepper sauce. Turn off the heat, add the marble cheese and mozzarella, and stir until melted. Taste and add salt if needed.

8 minMedium heattimer 5 min
Whisk continuously to avoid lumps
4

Combine pasta and sauce

Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until everything is coated. Add the extra 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and mix until combined.

3 min
5

Form the balls

Scoop portions onto pieces of parchment paper. Wrap the parchment around each portion and twist the ends to form tight balls. Place on a tray and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm.

60 mintimer 60 min
Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform balls
6

Bread the balls

Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then coat generously in panko breadcrumbs.

10 min
Press breadcrumbs firmly so they stick
7

Fry the balls

Heat the oil to 175°C. Fry until golden and crispy, making sure the centres are heated through approx 4 mins. Larger balls may need extra time, so test one first. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

4 minMedium-high heattimer 4 min
Fry in batches to avoid crowding and maintain oil temperature

Storage

Fridge: 2 days
Freezer: 30 days
Reheat: Oven at 180°C for 8-10 minutes

Reheat from frozen for best crispiness. Do not microwave as they will become soggy.

Your kitchen, together

Try Chopa today

Save recipes, plan meals, and manage your groceries — all in one place.