Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese.
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1-3/4 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs divided
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 3/4 cup biscuit/baking mix
- Carbohydrate 146.995653436434 g
- Cholesterol 430.262406604789 mg
- Fat 67.3679674180929 g
- Fiber 7.26184796859891 g
- Protein 65.3635615406563 g
- Saturated Fat 35.3999415896594 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen. (409g)
- Sodium 3224.43702501514 mg
- Sugar 139.733805467836 g
- Trans Fat 5.12762632186214 g
- Calories 1464 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle 1/4 cup bread crumbs into 36 greased mini-muffin cups.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth; gradually whisk in milk.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese until melted.
- Remove from heat; stir in biscuit mix, eggs and 1/2 cup bread crumbs.
- Add macaroni; toss to coat.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons macaroni mixture into prepared mini-muffin cups; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool in pans 5 minutes before serving.
Mini Mac & Cheese Bites: A Christmas Surprise (and Adult Snack!)
Christmas is a time for family, traditions, and, of course, delicious food! This year, I decided to add a fun twist to our holiday gathering with mini mac and cheese bites. I envisioned a delightful treat for the younger members of our family, something playful and exciting amidst the usual Christmas fare. However, I underestimated the irresistible charm of these little cheesy morsels. They were an instant hit, not just with the children, but with the adults as well! It turned out to be a surprisingly popular appetizer, disappearing much faster than I'd anticipated.
The preparation was surprisingly straightforward. I started by cooking the macaroni according to the package directions. While that was happening, I got to work on the cheesy sauce. The aroma alone was enough to make everyone's mouths water! The combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese melted together in a creamy sauce was simply heavenly. I blended this with a touch of biscuit mix, eggs, and bread crumbs, resulting in a perfectly textured mixture that held its shape beautifully once baked in the mini muffin tins. A sprinkle of extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top ensured a golden-brown and extra-crispy finish.
Baking these little gems was a breeze. The mini muffin tins proved to be an excellent choice, resulting in perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats. They baked quickly, turning a lovely golden brown in just 8-10 minutes. The best part? The cleanup was incredibly easy! The mini muffin tins made for easy serving and transport. I simply let them cool slightly in the pan before placing them on a serving platter. They were a wonderful addition to our Christmas spread and sparked numerous compliments from both the young and the old.
Why this recipe works so well:
- Portion control: The mini size makes them perfect for appetizers or party snacks. You can easily control portions.
- Flavor combination: The combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese is a classic and always pleases.
- Textural delight: The crispy breadcrumb topping contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy macaroni interior.
- Easy to prepare: The recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks.
- Crowd-pleasing: These bites are a guaranteed hit with everyone, from children to adults.
Beyond the Christmas party, these mac and cheese bites are incredibly versatile. They'd be perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The kids will love them, and honestly, the adults will, too. I've even considered experimenting with different cheeses and adding some finely chopped veggies for an extra layer of flavor. But honestly, the original recipe is already a winner.
So, if you are looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious recipe that's guaranteed to impress, look no further. These mini mac and cheese bites are the perfect solution. They're not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them ideal for any occasion. Give them a try, and I'm confident they'll become a new favorite in your household, too! Remember to adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven. And always keep an eye on them while they're baking to make sure they don't burn.
Tips and variations:
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Fontina, for a unique taste.
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni mixture for a savory twist.
- Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Enjoy the deliciousness! Happy baking!
