Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites for Football Sunday
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 22 minutesminutes
Total Time 42 minutesminutes
Servings 24servings
Calories 145
These oven baked mac and cheese bites are crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and perfect for game day snacking. They are a fun make-ahead appetizer that turns classic mac and cheese into easy mini muffin bites.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until melted and creamy.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then mix in the beaten egg until fully combined.
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin pan, pressing gently so each cup is filled and compact.
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle a little breadcrumb mixture over the top of each bite.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are set, golden on top, and lightly crisp around the edges.
Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm for game day snacking.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the macaroni before mixing it with the sauce. These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven until warmed through. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.