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Easy Mac and Cheese Bites

Cheesy, crispy, and protein-packed packed! These Easy Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer. They're low in calories, tasty and so fun to make!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 36
Calories: 41 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles or any pasta of choice! Use gluten-free if needed
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour use gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 tsp each: salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
  • 1.25 cups fat free milk or milk of choice
  • 1 Tbsp yellow mustard prepared
  • 1.25 cup sharp cheddar cheese (70g) freshly shredded
  • 1.25 cup mozzarella cheese (70g) freshly shredded
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a couple of mini muffin pans with cooking spray (enough for 36 bites, or you can do multiple batches).
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt to taste. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes, or according to package directions. Then run over cold water and drain. Set aside.
  3. Set a saucepan to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Then add the milk and whisk well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool down briefly before whisking in the mustard and egg. Then whisk  in both cheeses (save 1/4 of each for the topping). Finally, fold in the cooked macaroni and toss with the cheese sauce.
  5. Transfer the mac and cheese to the muffin pan. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Then let bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing (this will help them stay together).
  7. Serve with chicken nuggets, grilled chicken or by themselves with a yummy dipping sauce if desired!

Notes

  • To make gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta, gluten-free flour (Bob's Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure) and gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • To make dairy-free: use dairy-free cheese and dairy-free milk 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bite Calories 41kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 36Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 41

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bite
Calories 41kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 1g 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.