Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese. These crispy, bite-sized treats are perfect as a party appetizer, snack, or even a side dish. With their creamy cheese filling and golden, crispy exterior, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how to make Baked Mac and Cheese Bites:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux (paste-like consistency).
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the beaten eggs. This will help bind everything together when baking.
4. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the muffin tin, pressing the mixture down slightly to compact it and form "bites."
5. Top with Breadcrumbs:
- Sprinkle the tops of each mac and cheese bite with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will give them a crispy, golden crust as they bake.
6. Bake the Mac and Cheese Bites:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the bites for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese bites cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
- Gently use a knife or spoon to loosen the edges and pop them out.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or hot sauce.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can make the mac and cheese bites ahead of time by preparing the mixture and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop it into the muffin tin and proceed with baking.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add some cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Freezing: These mac and cheese bites freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes.
These Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun, cheesy, and crunchy treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a delicious snack!