Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce mixed with tender macaroni and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s easy to serve and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
Macaroni and Topping
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly with butter or nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bites will release easily after baking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and white ground pepper until the mixture is smooth. Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp and white cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce thickens.
- Combine Macaroni and Breadcrumbs: Add the cooked and drained macaroni noodles along with the Panko breadcrumbs directly into the cheese sauce. Gently fold together to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each one to the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the macaroni and cheese bites for 25 minutes or until they are golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the bites to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps them set and makes them easier to remove and serve.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can sprinkle additional Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top of each bite before baking.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure macaroni is cooked al dente to avoid overly soft bites after baking.
- These bites can be made ahead and refrigerated; just reheat in the oven for best texture.
- If preferred, use low-fat milk to reduce calories, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
