Cheesy Mac & Crust Bites
These Cheesy Mac & Crust Bites are the ultimate party snack that will win over even the pickiest eaters! Initially crafted for a special birthday celebration, their undeniable charm and flavor turned them into the star of the party. Cute, crispy, and packed with rich, creamy mac and cheese, these bites boast a buttery cracker crust that gives each bite a delightful crunch. The secret blend of sharp cheddar cheese and herbed Boursin cheese creates an unbeatable flavor that keeps guests coming back for more. Best served warm, they are perfect for any event, from summer BBQs to cozy winter gatherings. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this light-hearted twist on a classic favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni noodles
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
butter cracker crumbs
2 cups (crushed (such as Ritz))
sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded, divided)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
boursin garlic & herb cheese
5.25 ounces (spreadable)
cold unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or milk of choice)
sour cream
1/2 cup (regular or light)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, lightly coat standard-size muffin pans with cooking spray.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the butter cracker crumbs, ½ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly and well combined.
5
Spoon a generous amount of the cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup. Press down firmly with the flat bottom of a glass to form a crust.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, the Boursin garlic & herb cheese, and the cold unsalted butter, mixing until well blended.
7
In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sour cream until fully combined.
8
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and stir in the salt and red pepper flakes, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
9
Carefully spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each prepared muffin well atop the cracker crust, filling them to the top.
10
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are light golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
11
Allow the bites to cool in the muffin pans for at least 10-15 minutes. Gently remove them from the pans and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Mac & Crust Bites?
They are cute, crispy party snacks packed with rich, creamy mac and cheese and a buttery cracker crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the macaroni be cooked for this recipe?
The macaroni should be cooked in salted water until it is just shy of al dente.
What kind of crackers are used for the crust?
Butter crackers such as Ritz are recommended for the crumb mixture.
How do I form the crust in the muffin pans?
Spoon the cracker mixture into the muffin cups and press down firmly with the flat bottom of a glass.
What special cheeses give these bites their flavor?
The recipe uses a secret blend of sharp cheddar cheese and herbed Boursin cheese.
How should the butter for the pasta mixture be prepared?
Two tablespoons of cold unsalted butter should be cut into small pieces before being added to the pasta.
What ingredients make up the liquid egg mixture?
The liquid mixture consists of beaten eggs, milk, and sour cream whisked together.
How long should the bites bake?
Bake the bites for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the mac and cheese bites are done?
They are done when the tops are light golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Why is it important to let the bites cool in the pan?
Cooling for 10-15 minutes allows the bites to set, ensuring the best texture and making them easier to remove.
Can I use light sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either regular or light sour cream.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests whole milk or your milk of choice.
Are these bites spicy?
They have a hint of heat from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
How much macaroni is needed?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of elbow macaroni noodles.
How much cheddar cheese is required in total?
You will need 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided between the crust and the filling.
What type of Boursin cheese is used?
The recipe uses 5.25 ounces of spreadable garlic and herb Boursin cheese.
How do I prepare the muffin pans before baking?
Lightly coat standard-size muffin pans with cooking spray.
Is the butter in the crust melted or cold?
The butter used in the cracker crust should be melted.
What is the best way to serve these bites?
They are best served warm to maintain their crispy crust and creamy center.
Can these be served at summer BBQs?
Yes, they are described as perfect for any event, from summer BBQs to cozy winter gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before cooking the macaroni.
How much cracker crumb mixture goes into each muffin cup?
Spoon a generous amount into each cup to form the base.
What tools do I need to mix the crust?
A fork is recommended to mix the cracker crumbs, cheese, and melted butter.
When do I add the salt and red pepper flakes?
Stir them into the pasta and egg mixture just before spooning the mixture into the muffin pans.
How full should the muffin wells be filled with the mac and cheese?
Fill each prepared muffin well to the top with the pasta mixture.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The buttery cracker crust on the bottom provides a delightful crunch in every bite.
Is this a good recipe for picky eaters?
Yes, the description states these bites will win over even the pickiest eaters.
Can I use standard-size muffin pans?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for standard-size muffin pans.