Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
crispy mac and cheese cups - featured image

Crispy Mac and Cheese Cups

  • Author: neuriox
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x

Description

These kid-friendly mac and cheese cups are creamy inside, crispy on top, and perfectly portable for snacks, parties, or lunchboxes. Made in a muffin tin, they deliver classic comfort food flavor in bite-sized form.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (about 6 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with spray oil or melted butter.
  2. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain well and let cool for a minute.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, Greek yogurt, and egg until smooth. Stir in melted butter, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
  4. Fold the drained pasta into the cheese mixture, stirring gently until evenly coated.
  5. Spoon the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to the top and pressing down lightly.
  6. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over each cup for a crispy topping.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden brown and edges are sizzling.
  8. Let cups cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes. Run a small knife around the edges to loosen, then gently lift out.
  9. Serve warm for best texture—crispy outside, creamy inside.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, swap in plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt. Add finely chopped veggies for extra nutrition. Let cups cool before removing for best shape. Avoid paper liners—they stick. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 minute after baking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 11
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: mac and cheese cups, kid-friendly snack, muffin tin mac and cheese, party snack, portable mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, lunchbox recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/crispy-mac-and-cheese-cups-best-kid-friendly-snack-idea/