Description
These Mac and Cheese Bites are the perfect bite-sized appetizers that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are great for parties or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Bites:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine the mac and cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni. Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in the beaten egg.
- Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into the muffin cups, packing gently. Sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and crispy on top. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little butter before topping the bites.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
