Mac and Cheese Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these mac and cheese bites are the perfect appetizer or snack, great for parties or game day.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Add the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Spoon the mac and cheese into mini muffin tin cups, pressing gently. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease the muffin tin if not already done.
- Remove the mac and cheese bites from the fridge. Dip each in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Place them back in the muffin tin and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions.
- Chilling the mac and cheese before baking helps them hold their shape.
- You can freeze the bites before baking for later use.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: mac and cheese bites, appetizer, snack, party food, baked mac and cheese