Introduction

These Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for parties or a fun snack. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they combine cheesy pasta with savory toppings for a bite-sized delight.

Mac ’n’ Cheese Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

25g butter, plus extra for the tin
25g plain flour
400ml milk
200g macaroni or other short pasta
200g mature cheddar, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
100g baby button mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp finely chopped parsley
20g dried breadcrumbs
8 black olives, pitted and sliced
4 sundried tomatoes, sliced
100g grated mozzarella or cheddar

Instructions

Step 1: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over high heat and cook the mushrooms for about 10 minutes until golden. Stir in half the crushed garlic and the parsley, cook for another minute, season to taste, then transfer to a bowl.
Step 2: Using the same pan, heat the remaining oil and fry the remaining garlic with the breadcrumbs for 3-5 minutes, stirring until crisp. Remove from the pan into a separate bowl.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a thick paste, then gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in boiling salted water for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
Step 5: Stir the grated cheddar into the white sauce until fully melted, then fold in the cooked macaroni.
Step 6: Butter a 12-hole muffin tin and divide the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture evenly between the holes, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Top each portion with the mushroom mixture, black olive or sundried tomato slices, then sprinkle over the grated mozzarella or cheddar and the crispy garlic breadcrumbs.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 220C (200C fan/gas mark 7). Bake the bites for 15 minutes until golden and piping hot.
Step 9: Let the bites cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes. Loosen the edges carefully with a spoon before transferring to a plate to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
Swap mushrooms for cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
Make ahead and store the unbaked bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top along with the breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store any leftover baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated 180C oven for 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The unbaked bites can be covered and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work well and hold the cheese sauce effectively.

Can I freeze these Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites?

It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Mac ’n’ Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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These Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites are a delicious and creative twist on classic comfort food. Creamy macaroni mixed with a cheddar white sauce is packed into muffin tins and topped with flavorful mushroom sauté, olives or sundried tomatoes, and a crunchy garlic breadcrumb topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, they make perfect party snacks or a fun appetizer.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Base

25g butter, plus extra for the tin
25g plain flour
400ml milk
200g macaroni or other short pasta
200g mature cheddar, grated

Toppings

1 tbsp olive oil
100g baby button mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp finely chopped parsley
20g dried breadcrumbs
8 black olives, pitted and sliced
4 sundried tomatoes, sliced
100g grated mozzarella or cheddar

Instructions

Prepare Mushroom Mixture: Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes until golden. Stir in half the crushed garlic and the chopped parsley, and fry for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Make Garlic Breadcrumbs: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the remaining crushed garlic and dried breadcrumbs. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are crispy and golden. Scrape into a separate bowl and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour to form a thick paste (roux). Gradually whisk in the milk, adding a splash at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Cook Pasta: While making the sauce, cook the macaroni in a large pan of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
Combine Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Stir the grated mature cheddar into the thickened white sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
Assemble Bites: Butter a 12-hole muffin tin generously. Divide the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture evenly between the holes, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to pack it in. Top each with a spoonful of mushroom mixture, then add slices of black olives or sundried tomatoes as desired. Sprinkle grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese over each, then finish with a scattering of the garlic breadcrumbs.
Chill (Optional): You can cover and keep the assembled bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking if preparing ahead.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7). Bake the bites for 15 minutes until golden and piping hot.
Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 10 to 15 minutes. Run a spoon around the edges to loosen, then carefully transfer to a plate and serve warm.

Notes

You can prepare the bites a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking to save time.
Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor.
Ensure to cool the bites slightly before unmolding to keep their shape intact.

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, baked mac and cheese, appetizer, party snacks, cheesy bites, mushroom topping, garlic breadcrumbs