Description
Mac and Cheese Bites are a delicious snack that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over each mac and cheese bite.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg