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Baked Mac And Cheese Bites Recipe

This Baked Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe is a fun and delicious twist on the classic dish, perfect for kids and adults alike. With a crispy outer rim and cheesy, gooey center, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to make and a hit at any gathering. Serve them as a snack or appetizer, and enjoy a tasty, mess-free treat that’s sure to please everyone!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 198kcal
Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat a muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes shy of until al dente. Drain, rinse and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until combined. Add milk and whisk until mixture is creamy and thickened, approximately 3 minutes.
  • Add cheeses, salt, pepper and paprika to the pan and stir until cheese has melted. Stir in the pasta.
  • Drop 2 heaping tablespoons of the mixture into each prepared cup. Top each with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges (a rim should form). Run a butter knife along the outsides of each cup to release from pan. Remove and serve immediately!

Notes

  • The key to ensuring these emerge from the muffin tin intact is to allow a golden rim (or crust) to form around each bite. If you cannot see a visible rim, pop the pan back into the oven for 5 minutes.
  • For a more bite-size portion and to create mini mac and cheese bites, use a mini muffin tin and drop 1 tablespoon of the macaroni-cheese mixture into each cup.
  • These babies taste even better the next day (if they last that long). To store them, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
  • This is a great recipe to serve as a party appetizer, but is also the perfect recipe for an easy family dinner.
  • My kid loves dipping these pasta cheese balls into marinara sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 266mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 1mg
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