Cheesy Macaroni Bites
These Cheesy Macaroni Bites are a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese that everyone knows and loves. Perfectly portioned for little hands and ideal for serving at parties, they combine the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese with the added crunch of a panko crust. Ideal for any occasion, from kids' lunchboxes to adult gatherings, these bites are sure to please a crowd. Plus, making them is a fun activity for the whole family! Get the kids involved in creating these charming and irresistible treats that will be the star of your next snack time or gathering.
6
Servings
133
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (Add to warm pasta until melted)
Salt
to taste (Add during mixing)
Pepper
to taste (Add during mixing)
Milk
1 cup (Use any type, whisked with eggs)
Large Eggs
2 (Beaten and whisked with milk)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
3
Prepare your muffin pans: for mini cupcakes, grease a mini muffin tin with butter and sprinkle with panko crumbs, discarding any excess. If using a standard-sized muffin tin, line with paper or foil cupcake liners.
4
While the pasta is still warm, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese is completely melted and combined with the pasta.
5
Season the cheesy pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
6
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Then, stir this mixture into the cheesy pasta until everything is evenly mixed.
7
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full.
8
Bake in the preheated oven: mini cupcakes for 15 minutes and standard-sized cupcakes for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Macaroni Bites!
Nutrition Information
6.67g
Fat
13.33g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Macaroni Bites?
They are a delightful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, perfectly portioned into bite-sized snacks with a panko crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in each serving of macaroni bites?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
You should use 8 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare a mini muffin tin for these bites?
Grease the mini muffin tin with butter and sprinkle with panko crumbs, discarding any excess.
Can I use standard-sized muffin tins?
Yes, if using standard tins, line them with paper or foil cupcake liners.
When should I add the cheese to the pasta?
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot while the pasta is still warm so it melts completely.
What seasonings are suggested?
The cheesy pasta should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How are the eggs and milk prepared?
Whisk 2 large eggs and 1 cup of milk together in a separate medium bowl until well combined.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use any type of milk for this recipe.
How much should I fill each muffin cup?
Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into the cups until they are about 3/4 full.
How long do mini macaroni bites take to bake?
Mini cupcakes should bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How long do standard-sized macaroni bites take to bake?
Standard-sized bites should bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are done when the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
Should the macaroni bites be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, they are perfectly portioned for little hands and ideal for kids' lunchboxes.
Can these be served at parties?
Absolutely, these bites are an ideal appetizer for any gathering or party.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6.67 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 133.33 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these macaroni bites?
There are 6.67 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a crunchy element to this recipe?
Yes, the use of panko crumbs adds a delightful crunch to the bites.
Can I involve my family in making these?
Yes, making these bites is a fun activity for the whole family and kids can easily help.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 6 main ingredients: elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, milk, and eggs.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is defined by creamy richness from the cheese and pasta combined with a savory crunch.
Are these considered comfort food?
Yes, they are a bite-sized version of classic comfort food mac and cheese.
What should I do if the cheese isn't melting?
Ensure the pasta is still very warm when adding the cheese to facilitate melting.
Are these bites vegetarian?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.