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Indulge in these delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Bites, the perfect cheesy snack or appetizer that’s sure to please any crowd!
These bite-sized treats feature creamy macaroni and cheese coated in a crispy breadcrumb topping. They’re easy to make and great for parties, game days, or as a fun addition to any meal.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
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Serve Baked Mac and Cheese Bites warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. These bites pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for added flavor.
For a complete spread, enjoy them alongside Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower for a fun and indulgent snack platter.
Tips and Notes
- Pasta: Use small pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni or shells, for easy bites. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked.
- Cheese: Use a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. Adjust the cheese blend to your liking for different flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping. For added flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan or spices.
- Baking: Bake the bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness before serving.
Enjoy these fun and cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Bites as a delightful addition to your snack lineup!
Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
These Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they’re cheesy, crispy, and incredibly easy to make. Each bite is packed with creamy mac and cheese flavor, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Spoon for scooping
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - uncooked
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk - whole or 2%
- 1/4 cup butter - unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika - optional
- 1 cup breadcrumbs - for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
- Scoop the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each macaroni cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove from the muffin tin and serve warm.
Notes
Variations: Add cooked bacon or chopped vegetables to the mac and cheese for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks: Make sure to let the bites cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin for easier handling. You can also freeze the uncooked bites and bake them directly from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
Serving: 1biteCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 150mgSugar: 1g
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