Description
These Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a kid-friendly, party-perfect snack combining creamy mac and cheese into crispy, cheesy bite-sized cups. Easy to make and delicious, they’re perfect for family dinners, appetizers, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cooked macaroni (about 1 cup dry pasta)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Coating and Baking
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Cooking spray or butter (to grease the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked macaroni. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Sprinkle breadcrumbs into each muffin cup to create a nice crust.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, pressing gently to compact the mixture. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese bites for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the mac and cheese bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or cool completely to enjoy later as a snack.
Notes
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These mac and cheese bites can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Customize the Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for new flavor variations.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these bites gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese bites, kid-friendly snacks, party appetizers, cheesy bites, mac and cheese cups, easy snack recipes, party food
