Description
These Mac and Cheese Bites are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, offering a crispy breadcrumb coating and a creamy, cheesy filling packed with flavor. Perfect for snacking or entertaining, these bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 cup (100-120g) breadcrumbs
- 1–2 tablespoons (14-28g) butter
- 1 teaspoon (5g) minced garlic
Mac and Cheese Bites Filling
- 8 ounces (225g) uncooked macaroni
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (15g) flour
- 1 12–ounce can evaporated milk or 1 1/2 cups (350ml) milk
- 1/2–1 tablespoon (10-11g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (9-10g) garlic powder
- 1/2–1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup (55-60g) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2–1 cup (60-113g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (55-60g) grated Jack cheese
- 2 large eggs (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 5–6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped or crumbled (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 cup (55-60g) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (145g) cooked lobster, chopped
Instructions
- Breadcrumb Coating: Melt butter in a small skillet on medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté breadcrumbs until fragrant and slightly brown. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Prepare Mac and Cheese Filling: Cook pasta, drain, and place in a mixing bowl. Prepare breadcrumb crust in muffin pan. Make roux with butter and flour, then gradually add milk to make a creamy sauce. Season and melt in cheeses, then mix with pasta and add any desired add-ins.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon mixture into muffin pan wells, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature for quicker cooking
- For creamier sauce, shred block cheese instead of using pre-shredded
- Pack the mixture firmly to prevent falling apart
- Avoid covering baked bites to maintain their crispy texture
- Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
