Ingredients
– 8 ounces elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
– Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
Making Baked Mac and Cheese Bites is easy when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
4. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This should take about 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.
7. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
8. Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over each filled cup for added crunch.
9. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
10. Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before carefully removing the bites with a fork or toothpick.
These steps will guide you in creating these incredible Baked Mac and Cheese Bites effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g