Get ready to transform the classic comfort food into bite-sized perfection that will have everyone begging for more! These Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are not just a snack - they're a culinary revolution that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with a crispy, golden exterior that'll make your mouth water. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a kid-friendly appetizer, or simply craving something deliciously indulgent, these mac and cheese bites are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the mac and cheese bites will cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked macaroni with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated with cheese.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk to the macaroni and cheese mixture. This will help bind the ingredients together and keep the bites moist.
- Crack 1 egg into the mixture. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the bites together during baking.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a crunchy topping for your mac and cheese bites.
- Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This will help the bites come out easily once baked.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, fill each cup of the mini muffin tin with the macaroni and cheese mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
- Once all the cups are filled, sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each mac and cheese bite. This will add a delicious crunchy texture.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bites are heated through.
- After baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to remove the bites from the tin.
- Using a small knife or spatula, gently loosen the edges of the bites and carefully pop them out of the muffin tin.
- Serve the baked mac and cheese bites warm as a delicious appetizer or snack. Enjoy your easy and cheesy creation!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure better mixing and a smoother texture.
- Make sure your macaroni is slightly overcooked and well-drained to prevent watery bites.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor combinations.
- Don't overfill the muffin tin - leave a little space for the bites to rise and crisp up.
- For extra crunch, try adding some crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs to your topping.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes after baking to help them set and make removal easier.
- If you're meal prepping, these bites can be frozen and reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo for added excitement!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
