Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for parties, snacks, or lunchboxes. Baked to golden perfection, these mini delights are packed with cheesy goodness and make for a fun and tasty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Bites:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- nonstick cooking spray
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Add cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the mixture: Stir in the beaten egg to the macaroni mixture. Scoop into the mini muffin cups, pressing gently to compact.
- Add toppings: In a small bowl, mix Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over each bite.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before removing from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- These bites are great for parties, lunchboxes, or snacking.
- You can prepare them ahead and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- For extra flavor, mix in crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
