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Tini Mac and Cheese Bites – A Crispy, Cheesy, Bite-Sized Delight

These Tini Mac and Cheese Bites are the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer. Made with creamy mac and cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked to golden perfection, they are delicious, easy to make, and great for parties or a fun twist on a classic dish. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible treat!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin tin (mini or regular size)
  • Whisk
  • Cheese grater
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or any small pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk warm
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • For the Coating:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • For Baking & Serving:
  • Cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Dipping sauces ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
  • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to make a roux.
  • Slowly pour in warm milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
  • Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove from heat.
  • Step 3: Combine and Cool
  • Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Mix in the beaten egg to help bind the mac and cheese.
  • Step 4: Shape the Bites
  • Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each cup, pressing slightly to pack it in.
  • In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle evenly over each mac and cheese bite. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
  • Step 5: Bake
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin.
  • Step 6: Serve
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Want to make them ahead? Prepare and refrigerate the bites before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for gouda, gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Keyword Mini mac and cheese bites, mac and cheese appetizer, bite-sized mac and cheese, party snacks, baked mac and cheese bites, crispy mac and cheese