Game Day Snacking Just Got Better: Baked Mac & Cheese Bites Recipe!
Who says comfort food has to come in a big, cheesy casserole dish? These Baked Mac & Cheese Bites are here to shake things up and bring bite-sized joy to your snack game! Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these little nuggets of happiness are everything you love about mac & cheese—just in a more portable, finger-friendly form. Whether you’re a kid or simply a kid at heart, these cheesy bites are bound to become a household favorite.
The Ultimate Baseball Snack
Ready to take your snacking to the next level? Picture this: a plate of warm, golden Baked Mac & Cheese Bites, a juicy hot dog (or two), and an ice-cold beer in hand. Now, add the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat as you cheer on your favorite Major League Baseball team. Sounds like the perfect day, right? For all you Detroit Tigers fans out there—let’s go Tigers! These bites are the ultimate good-luck charm for game day.
A Quick Bite of History: Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese has its origins in medieval Europe, but it became a true comfort food icon in the U.S. after Thomas Jefferson discovered the dish during his travels in Italy and brought it back home. Originally served as a baked casserole, it’s been reinvented in countless forms over the years, from stovetop versions to fried bites.
These Baked Mac & Cheese Bites are the latest evolution—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and perfect for snacking. They take this historical favorite and turn it into a portable treat you can enjoy anywhere, from game days to lunchboxes.
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Why You’ll Love These Bites
- Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients, including hearty whole wheat elbows, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a solo snack sesh during the game, these bites are a guaranteed hit.
- Versatile and fun: Pair them with classic hot dogs, spicy dipping sauces, or even a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Get Ready to Snack Like a Pro
From their crispy, golden crust to their gooey, cheesy center, every bite is a celebration of flavor. So, preheat that oven, grab your favorite toppings, and let’s bring the ballpark vibes right to your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be knocking it out of the park with these Baked Mac & Cheese Bites!
Servings
6
Ingredients
1/2 cup dry whole wheat elbow pasta
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup low fat milk
1/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Method of Preparation
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for your delicious mac and cheese bites. This temperature will help give them a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy.
Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Typically, this means boiling the pasta in salted water for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent burning. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux (this thickens the sauce). Next, slowly whisk in the milk and garlic powder. Keep stirring as it heats up, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add the Cheese
Once the sauce is thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Once the pasta is fully mixed with the cheese sauce, beat an egg in a small bowl and stir it into the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The egg helps bind the mac and cheese bites together when they bake.
Prepare the Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This will ensure the mac and cheese bites don’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.
Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, dividing it evenly among the 12 cups. Press the mixture down lightly with the back of a spoon to make sure each bite is compact and holds together during baking.
Bake the Mac & Cheese Bites
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the mac and cheese bites are set and lightly browned on top. The edges should look crispy and golden.
Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mac and cheese bites cool for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to remove them from the tin.
Garnish and Enjoy!
Once cooled, gently pop the bites out of the muffin tin. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives for an added flavor boost, if desired. These mac and cheese bites are now ready to enjoy—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness!
