Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they bake to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
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 Coating
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles (cooked and drained)
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or spray it with 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 pepper until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained macaroni noodles along with the Panko breadcrumbs to the cheese sauce. Fold gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into each prepared muffin cup, filling them to the top.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the macaroni and cheese bites to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before carefully removing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can use different types of cheese to customize the flavor, such as gouda or Monterey Jack.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- For crispier bites, sprinkle additional Panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
