Introduction
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic comfort food with these cheesy macaroni and cheese bites. Perfectly portioned for snacking or serving as a side dish, these bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Bake them to a golden perfection and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
8 ounces macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
¼ cup salted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon white ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bites
Enjoy these savory macaroni and cheese bites, perfect for parties or as a satisfying snack any time of day!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Butter
In a medium-sized pan over medium heat, melt the salted butter completely, ensuring it does not brown.
Make the Roux
Whisk in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, white ground pepper, and salt into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, forming a roux.
Incorporate the Milk
Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheeses
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce has thickened.
Combine with Macaroni and Breadcrumbs
Fold in the cooked and drained macaroni noodles along with the Panko breadcrumbs into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into each cup of the prepared muffin tin, filling each compartment generously.
Bake the Bites
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin and serve warm.
Notes
Storage Tips
These macaroni and cheese bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze any leftover bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bites as a tasty appetizer or side dish, and consider pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium-sized pan to create a base for your sauce.
Whisking
Whisk flour, salt, garlic powder, and white ground pepper into the melted butter until a smooth mixture is achieved.
Thickening Sauce
Pour in whole milk and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low to allow the sauce to thicken.
Cheese Incorporation
Stir in shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheese continuously until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
Fold in the cooked macaroni noodles and Panko breadcrumbs gently, ensuring even distribution of the cheese sauce.
Baking
Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until the tops are golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Cooling
Allow the baked bites to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before carefully removing them for serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda according to your preference.
Can I use whole grain macaroni noodles?
Absolutely, whole grain macaroni noodles can be used for a healthier option.
What can I substitute for Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, though they may yield a slightly different texture.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze macaroni and cheese bites?
Yes, they can be frozen; just ensure they’re fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
These macaroni and cheese bites are a delicious and versatile option for any meal or snack. Their perfect balance of creamy cheese and crunchy Panko breadcrumbs makes them irresistible. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, they are sure to please everyone at the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Mac and Cheese Bites
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the macaroni mixture before baking for a nutritious twist.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites
Incorporate shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Bites
Mix in shredded BBQ pulled pork for a smoky flavor that takes these bites to the next level.
Italian Herb Mac and Cheese Bites
Add Italian seasoning, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Crispy bacon bits can be folded into the mixture for a savory and satisfying addition.
Mac and Cheese with Jalapeños
Spice things up by adding chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a deliciously fiery touch.
