Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

This mac and cheese bites recipe will change the way you entertain – an easy make-ahead appetizer that is kid-approved, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

What are Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and Cheese Bites are a handheld, bite-sized version of classic macaroni and cheese. They’re th perfect game day snack or party appetizer since no utensils are needed.

Are Mac and Cheese Bites Better Baked or Fried?

There are many recipes for air fryer mac and cheese balls, but they require rolling the macaroni and cheese in breadcrumbs before air frying. My recipe for these cheesy bites is less messy and doesn’t require a lot of extra work. Just spoon the mixture into a mini muffin tin and bake; it’s all hands-off work after that, so you can get back to entertaining.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-ahead friendly: Prep these mini macaroni and cheese cups in advance and pop them in the oven right before guests arrive.
• Kid-approved: Perfect for little hands at family gatherings or parties.
• Freezes well: Bake up a double batch and freeze them in an air-tight container. Just before guests arrive, pull out the frozen mac and cheese bites and reheat them covered at 300°F until warmed through.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Macaroni: Elbow pasta holds the cheese sauce better.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate your own, as it will melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Evaporated Milk: the secret ingredient to keeping the sauce from separating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crisp, golden crunch to these mini macaroni cups.
• Butter: creates the crispy buttery panko topping.
• Seasoning: Cayenne for spice, Garlic and Onion: minced or in powder form, either is fine.
  Refer to the printable recipe card below for ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat butter in a saucepan, add panko, and stir until golden.
2. Boil pasta until just tender, and drain
3. Mix in evaporated milk, seasonin,g and salt.

4. Stir the cheese into the hot mixture until melted and creamy.
6. Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the greased muffin tins.
6. Top with the panko mixture and bake until golden. Garnish with cut chives, if desired.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to mix things up? This mac and cheese bites recipe offers a lot of variation:

• Bacon Macaroni Cheese Bites: Stir crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce before spooning them into the muffin tins.
• Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bites: Add 1/4 cup of diced fresh jalapeno to the cheese sauce.
• Swap out the cheddar to make melty Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites instead.

Storage

Refrigerator: Place any extras in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer/Freezing Instructions: These baked mac and cheese bites freeze well. Let them cool completely, then place them in an air-tight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw and place them covered in a 300°F oven until warmed through

Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe FAQs

Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Golden bite-sized, this Mac and Cheese Bites recipe is baked in a muffin tin for the ultimate party appetizer. Perfect for game day, tailgates, or holiday spreads, they’re kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

*Quick Note Before You Dive In: This recipe card covers the basics, but if you want to know how to customize your Mac and Cheese Bites with add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or gouda, scroll back up! Everything you need for foolproof results is in the post.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 36

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for greasing the pan
• 8 ounces small elbow macaroni
• salt
• 12 ounce can evaporated milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 12 ounces extra old cheddar cheese grated
• Parsley or chives for garnish optional

Equipment

• 2 24-count mini muffin tins

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F and liberally grease two 24-count mini muffin pans.
• Place the butter in a small saucepan and melt it over medium-low heat until foamy. Add the panko breadcrumbs and fry the mixture until golden. Set aside.
• Pour the macaroni into a medium pot with just enough water to cover it. Add ½ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the macaroni has absorbed most of the water and is almost al dente (not fully cooked).
• Pour in the evaporated milk, and add the garlic and onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cheese; stir until the cheese has melted and is smooth. Reduce the temperature to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until the pasta is creamy.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture sit for five minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
• Place a heaping scoop into each of the muffin pan cups. Press the mixture down lightly with a spoon to compact it.
• Sprinkle the tops with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Place in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Place the muffin pan on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.
• Run a sharp knife along the edges of the Mac and Cheese Bites to loosen them from the pan.
• Transfer them to a platter and keep them warm until ready to serve, garnishing with parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

Cook macaroni in just enough water. This starch-filled water will naturally thicken the cheese sauce without the need for flour. If you find that the pasta has absorbed all the water and is still very hard, add a bit more water as needed and continue cooking until the desired texture is reached.

Do not drain water if any remains in the pot after cooking the pasta, there should only be a small amount leftover (this will help thicken the sauce). If there is excess water, drain so that you only have 1/4 cup water remaining.

If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, thin it with water or milk to restore its creamy texture.

Grate cheese from a block. Packaged pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect the outcome of a smooth cheese sauce.

Keyword bite size comfort food, crowd pleasing recipe, football party food, game day appetizer, holiday appetizer, kid friendly, party snack, super bowl food, tailgate food

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This recipe, like my Loaded Fries, makes a perfect game-day snack. Try them with this Hot Corn and Cream Cheese Dip for the ultimate party combo. Or pair this cheesy Mac and Cheese Bites recipe with my Creamy Split Pea Soup for a comforting lunch during the winter months.