Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¼ cups 2% milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease two mini muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, about 7–9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. 3

   In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt and pepper, and stir to combine, about 2 minutes. Add the milk and whisk well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted. Fold the cooked pasta into the pot, or pour the cheese over the cooked pasta in a large bowl, and stir until evenly coated.

5. 5

   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture into each prepared muffin cup. Pack it in with the back of a spoon to help the bites hold their shape. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top.

6. 6

   Bake until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs are golden, 20–25 minutes.

7. 7

   Cool the bites for 5–10 minutes before removing from the muffin cups and serving.