Mac and Cheese Bites
The mini Mac and Cheese Bites are not just tasty, but also so fun to serve! They can be assembled early in the day and then baked just as your guests arrive. This recipe make 48 mini bites, or 12 standard-size.
Servings: 48 mini bites; or 12 standard size
Calories: 17kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow or other small shaped pasta
- 2 Tbs. butter, plus more for greasing
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, panko or regular
- 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
- 8 oz. (2 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Butter 48 nonstick mini or 12 standard-size muffin pan cups. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the breadcrumbs and shake out the excess.
- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stir well, and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour whisking for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking often, until bubbling, about 4 minutes. Stir in the egg yolk, paprika and ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ tsp. pepper until well blended. Add the cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in the pasta until well coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared cups, packing them gently. In a small bowl, mix the remaining breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the bites.
- Bake until golden and sizzling, about 10 minutes for mini and 20 minutes for standard-size cups. Remove the pan to wire rack and let stand for 10 minutes. Run a small spoon around the edges and remove the mac and cheese bites from the pan. Sevre warm.
Notes
You can assembled the bites ahead, but wait to bake them until you are ready to serve. Cover and refrigerate and then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Be sure to let the bites sit in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to ensure they will hold together.
Nutrition
Serving: 48mini | Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.3g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 5.1mg | Sodium: 59.9mg | Sugar: 0.3g