Description
These crispy and creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a fun twist on classic mac and cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer, snack, or kid-friendly lunch option, they’re easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Bites:
- 1 pound small elbow pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- 2 cups grated yellow cheddar cheese (divided)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease mini muffin pans.
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a pot, sauté onion for 4–5 minutes, and stir in garlic for 1 minute.
- Add flour, cook for 2 minutes, then whisk in milk gradually. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Remove from heat and stir in white cheddar and 1½ cups of yellow cheddar until melted.
- Mix the pasta into the cheese sauce and portion into muffin pans. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 17–20 minutes until golden. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute onion with onion powder for a smoother sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- To freeze, bake first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American