These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic comfort food! Imagine bite-sized portions of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko topping. They’re perfect for parties, snacks, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Portable: These bite-sized portions are perfect for parties, picnics, or lunchboxes.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun shape and cheesy flavor of these mac and cheese bites.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have these delicious bites ready in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible mac and cheese bites:
- Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- White ground pepper: Adds a subtle spice.
- Salt: To taste.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Adds a milder, creamy cheese flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy topping.
- Macaroni noodles: Cooked and drained, this classic pasta shape is perfect for mac and cheese.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Cheese Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick cooking spray. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, garlic powder, and white pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
Step 2: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked macaroni and breadcrumbs to the cheese sauce and fold to combine. Fill the muffin tin with the mac and cheese mixture. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a muffin scoop: For evenly sized bites, use a muffin scoop to fill the muffin tin.
- Add a crunchy topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Bites
- Party Appetizer: These bites are perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Snack: Serve them as a fun and satisfying snack for kids.
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as shells or rotini.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
How can I make the bites spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
There you have it! A fun and delicious recipe for Macaroni and Cheese Bites that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Macaroni and Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Baked in a muffin tin, they’re perfectly portioned for snacks, appetizers, or even a kid-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
Ingredients
Pantry
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles (cooked and drained)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses until melted and sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked macaroni and breadcrumbs to the cheese sauce. Fold to combine.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Fill each muffin cup with the mac and cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Leftover mac and cheese bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use different types of cheese, but a combination of sharp cheddar and white cheddar works well.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin cup
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
