Savory Bacon-Wrapped Mac & Cheese Bites
Indulge in these irresistible Savory Bacon-Wrapped Mac & Cheese Bites, a perfect blend of creamy cheese and crispy bacon wrapped in a delightful bite-sized package. Ideal for parties or as a decadent snack, this recipe combines classic mac & cheese with the salty goodness of bacon, creating a rich, flavorful treat that everyone will love. With a crunchy panko topping, these bites are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any gathering. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in under an hour.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
milk
1 cup (whole or 2%)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked)
precooked bacon
24 slices (thinly sliced)
Italian panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water, following the package instructions but reducing the cooking time by 4 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water for later use.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture resembles wet sand and emits a nutty aroma.
4
Gradually add the milk while whisking to eliminate any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until thickened.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, adjusting based on the saltiness of the cheese. Carefully fold in the cooked macaroni, and if the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6
To assemble, line each muffin tin cup with a slice of precooked bacon, allowing the bacon to drape over the edges. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each cup, filling them generously. Sprinkle the tops with Italian panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bacon is crispy. Once done, remove the tin from the oven and allow the bites to cool for about 5-10 minutes before gently removing them from the pan to serve.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Wrapped Mac & Cheese Bites?
They are a bite-sized appetizer consisting of creamy mac and cheese wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 10 main ingredients including butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, macaroni, and bacon.
What type of pasta is used in these bites?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the bites need to bake?
They should be baked for 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden and the bacon is crispy.
What is the calorie count for these mac and cheese bites?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Can I use 2% milk for the sauce?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or 2% milk for the cheese sauce.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Why should I reduce the macaroni cooking time by 4 minutes?
Reducing the initial boiling time ensures the pasta doesn't become mushy when it finishes cooking in the oven.
What kind of bacon is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 24 slices of precooked, thinly sliced bacon.
How do I make the cheese sauce base?
Melt butter, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk until thickened before stirring in the cheese.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10g of protein per serving.
What should I do if the mac and cheese mixture is too thick?
You can add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the consistency.
What kind of topping is used for the crunch?
Italian panko breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top for a crunchy finish.
How long should I cook the flour and butter roux?
Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes until it looks like wet sand and smells nutty.
Should I grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should lightly grease a standard muffin tin before assembly.
How do I assemble the bacon wrap?
Line each muffin cup with a slice of precooked bacon, letting it drape over the edges before filling with mac and cheese.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the bites cool before serving?
Allow them to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes so they set and are easier to remove.
Are there any herbs used in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped chives is included in the ingredient list.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
Can I use freshly ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, these are described as ideal for parties or as a decadent snack.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the total preparation time?
The recipe is designed to be ready in under an hour.
Do I need to save the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water for later use if the sauce needs thinning.
What size muffin tin is used?
A standard-sized muffin tin is recommended.
How should I season the cheese sauce?
Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the cheese and bacon.
What makes these bites visually appealing?
The combination of the bacon wrap and the golden-brown panko topping makes them very attractive for serving.