These delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are so good and the perfect appetizer! All you need is a muffin tin and simple ingredients!
One of my favorite mac and cheese appetizers are mac and cheese bites, they are the perfect way to get all of that yummy mac and cheese taste in bite size form. When looking for appetizers for a party this one would be number one because I mac and cheese is such a widely loved dish!
What are baked mac and cheese bites?
They are bite-sized pieces of macaroni and cheese that have been cooked in a muffin tin. The cheesy deliciousness is surrounded by a crunchy, golden brown crust!
To make these tasty morsels, you need to first cook some macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s ready, mix the cooked macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce and spoon it into the muffin tin. Then, top each bite with some shredded cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown.
These bites are great as an appetizer or side dish for any meal. They’re also easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for an easy snack. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want something for the family to munch on, these Baked Mac and Cheese Bites will be a hit!
This is mac and cheese bites recipe is a great appetizer and the perfect finger food. It’s a simple recipe made in a muffin pan that is great for any appetizer menu. It’s a great side dish option for game day that uses homemade macaroni that uses different types of cheese for a fan favorite great recipe.
What ingredients do you need for these mac and cheese bites?
- ½ lb elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese – 1 cup sharp, 1 cup mild
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parsley, for garnish
- Smoked paprika and/or panko breadcrumbs, for finish
How do you make these Mac and cheese bites delicious appetizer?
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 12 opening muffin tin with nonstick spray
Prepare pasta per package directions, drain, set aside
In a saucepan over medium heat melt butter and whisk in the flour into the melted butter until creamy
Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer
Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheese, cream cheese, and salt & pepper
Keep stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy – remove from heat
In a bowl mix cooked macaroni, cheese mixture, and the egg until well combined and pasta is fully coated
Spoon macaroni mixture equally into the prepared muffin tin
Top each section with the remaining ½ cup of cheese
Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown
Cool 5-10 minutes in tin until removing to serving platter
Garnish with parsley and just a pinch of smoked paprika
Serve and enjoy!
Can you make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, these bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply prepare as directed and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. When you’re ready, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
These Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. They’re easy to make and loaded with cheesy goodness! The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy golden brown crust will have your guests asking for more! Give them a try today and enjoy the flavor!
These are great for the super bowl and are the perfect size cheesy bites. You can even put panko bread crumbs on top of these fun appetizers too!
If you have any leftover be sure to put it into an airtight container to enjoy the next day. You can use muffin tins or mini muffin tins for this easy party appetizer. Check out the full recipe in the recipe card below. This classic mac and cheese bites recipe cheesy appetizers is one of my favorite things to make for appetizers.
These baked macaroni and cheese bites are great and even picky eaters (like my daughter!) loves them!
What are some other fun Macaroni and Cheese recipes?
- The Best Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Incredible Truffle Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- What To Serve With Macaroni And Cheese
If you are looking for some more amazing delicious appetizers be sure to check out this comprehensive list The Best Party Appetizers For Entertaining!
The Best Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe
These delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are so good and the perfect appetizer! All you need is a muffin tin and simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- ½ lb elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese - 1 cup sharp, 1 cup mild
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parsley, for garnish
- Smoked paprika, for finish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 12 opening muffin tin with nonstick spray
- Prepare pasta per package directions, drain, set aside
- In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter and whisk in the flour until creamy
- Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheese, cream cheese, and salt & pepper
- Keep stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy - remove from heat
- In a bowl mix cooked macaroni, cheese mixture, and the egg until well combined and pasta is fully coated
- Spoon macaroni mixture equally into the prepared muffin tin
- Top each section with the remaining ½ cup of cheese
- Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown
- Cool 5-10 minutes in tin until removing to serving platter
- Garnish with parsley and just a pinch of smoked paprika
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 125Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 22mgSodium 136mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 5g
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