Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites
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Bake classic macaroni and cheese into crispy, golden bites perfect for appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.
- Author: Cat
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the beaten eggs. In another small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the macaroni and cheese mixture into each mini muffin cup.
- Dip the top of each macaroni and cheese bite into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before removing.
Notes
- For extra crispy edges, you can lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray before baking.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch.
- Consider these a great alternative to traditional meal planning for busy weeknights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg