Description
These crispy baked mac and cheese bites are the ultimate party snack—cheesy, creamy insides with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or late-night snacking, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or small shells), cooked al dente
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%; can substitute almond milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or brush with oil.
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 6–7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and drained macaroni. Mix until well coated.
- Stir in optional add-ins like bacon, green onions, or smoked paprika if desired.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter. Toss until evenly moistened.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spoon the mac and cheese mixture evenly into each mini muffin cup. Press gently to compact.
- Sprinkle or gently press about 1 tsp of the breadcrumb mixture on top of each bite.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden and edges are bubbling.
- Let bites cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before carefully loosening with a small spatula or knife.
Notes
For gluten-free bites, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Let bites cool before unmolding for best results. You can prep the mixture ahead and bake fresh for parties. Add-ins like bacon, green onions, or smoked paprika are optional for extra flavor. For extra crispy edges, brush melted butter on the muffin tin before adding the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: mac and cheese bites, party snack, baked appetizer, comfort food, kid-friendly, cheese, crispy, finger food, potluck, easy recipe