Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a delicious, bite-sized twist on classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and bake in the oven.
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
Main
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles (cooked and drained)
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly with butter or use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, garlic powder, and white ground pepper until the mixture is smooth and combined. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and bring the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni noodles and Panko breadcrumbs to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated with the cheesy mixture and the breadcrumbs are well distributed.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cavity, filling them up evenly.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully removing and serving warm.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest and richest cheese sauce.
- Make sure macaroni is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the bites.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- Letting the bites cool slightly helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the muffin tin.
- You can add herbs or spices to customize the flavor, such as smoked paprika or mustard powder.
