Crispy Macaroni and Cheese Bites
These Crispy Macaroni and Cheese Bites are a party favorite that blends gooey cheese goodness with a satisfying crunch. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin tins, they are an irresistible appetizer that both kids and adults will love. With a rich blend of cheddar and American cheeses, a touch of dry mustard for depth, and a crispy top, these bites are sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Serve them at your next get-together, but watch out – they just might disappear before you get a chance to enjoy any yourself!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1/4 lb (uncooked)
unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (plus more for brushing)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (none)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon (none)
milk
3/8 cup (none)
cheddar cheese
2 ounces (shredded (about 1 packed cup))
American cheese
2 ounces (deli-sliced, chopped)
egg yolk
1 large (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease 48 mini muffin cups with butter.
2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and shake off excess water.
3
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese for later use.
4
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and dry mustard, cooking for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking while stirring until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped American cheese until fully melted and combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
7
Next, whisk in the egg yolk and optional paprika, mixing until fully incorporated.
8
Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese mixture until every piece is well coated.
9
Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently to create a solid bite.
10
Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the bites.
11
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and sizzling.
12
Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully loosening them with a fork and transferring to a serving platter.
13
These delightful bites can be prepared up to Step 4 in advance and refrigerated overnight for added convenience.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5.625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Macaroni and Cheese Bites?
They are a party-favorite appetizer that combines gooey cheese with a satisfying crunch, perfectly portioned in mini muffin tins.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of cheddar cheese, American cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these bites?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How long do the Macaroni and Cheese Bites need to bake?
They should bake for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and sizzling.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to Step 4 and refrigerate it overnight for added convenience.
How many mini muffin cups does this recipe require?
The recipe is designed to fill 48 mini muffin cups.
What type of pasta is best for these bites?
Elbow macaroni is used for this recipe, cooked until al dente.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the mini muffin cups with butter before adding the macaroni mixture.
What seasoning is used to add depth to the cheese sauce?
A touch of dry mustard is added to the roux to provide depth of flavor.
How long should the bites cool before serving?
Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tins.
What is the calorie count for a serving of these bites?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is there any specific preparation for the American cheese?
The American cheese should be deli-sliced and then chopped before being added to the sauce.
Should the cheddar cheese be shredded?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, which is about one packed cup.
What role does the egg yolk play in this recipe?
The egg yolk is whisked into the cheese mixture to help bind the ingredients and add richness.
Is paprika required for this recipe?
Paprika is an optional ingredient that can be whisked into the mixture for extra flavor and color.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein do these bites provide?
Each serving contains 5.625 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The carbohydrate content is 15 grams per serving.
What is the best way to remove the bites from the muffin tin?
Carefully loosen the edges of the bites with a fork before transferring them to a platter.
Can I use salted butter for greasing the pan?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter for the roux, but you can use butter for brushing the cups.
How do you make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and dry mustard, cooking for about 2 minutes.
How long does it take for the milk mixture to thicken?
It takes approximately 5 minutes of stirring while the mixture reaches a boil to thicken.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Reserve 2 tablespoons of Parmesan to sprinkle over the tops of the bites just before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these kid-friendly bites are a popular snack and appetizer for children.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
How do you ensure the bites are solid?
Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the mixture into the cups and pack them gently.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3/8 cup of milk.
Should the macaroni be cooked completely before baking?
It should be cooked until al dente, as it will finish softening during the baking process.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates that the sugar content is null or negligible.
What tags describe this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as an appetizer, snack, party food, cheese, bites, finger food, and kid-friendly.