Description
These Macaroni and Cheese Bites are the perfect bite-sized appetizer, combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Oven-baked to golden perfection, they make a kid-friendly party snack or a delicious appetizer that’s easy to prepare and fun to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Then add the beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing gently to pack each cup firmly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the bites are golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or chopped green onions to the mixture for extra flavor.
- These bites freeze well after baking and can be reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
