These macaroni and cheese bites are a delicious finger food version of the classic comfort dish everyone loves. Perfectly creamy, chewy, and crispy, these bites can be served as an appetizer, side, or snack!
Macaroni and cheese bites are easy to make but hard to resist! These little handheld bites of gooey macaroni and cheese are cooked until golden brown and slightly crispy. They’re perfect for popping in your mouth or dipping in your favorite sauce.
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I love that you can use whatever cheese you’d like to give your macaroni bites a unique flavor.
When I don’t have any cheddar on hand, I like to add parmesan, asiago, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or mozzarella instead. Keep in mind that the sharper flavored cheeses tend to come through better after the dish has baked.
Want to jazz up your finished macaroni bites? Try garnishing them with freshly chopped chives or bacon bits for extra flavor! Since these bites are a quick-finger food, you can serve them alongside almost any main dish.
Ingredient Notes
See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.
- Macaroni Noodles—Cooked and drained.
- Whole Milk—To give your bites a smooth, creamy texture!
- Flour—Thickens the cheese sauce.
- Butter—Creates a rich and savory base for your cheese sauce.
- Panko Bread Crumbs—Gives your finished macaroni bites a crispy exterior!
- Sharp Cheddar—For a strong, classic cheesy flavor.
- White Cheddar—To contrast the sharp cheddar and add an extra cheesy element.
- Spices—A savory blend of garlic powder, white ground pepper, and salt to taste.
How To Make Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Start by preheating your oven. Then, prepare a muffin tin by coating it with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Boil your noodles according to the package directions and set aside.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, whisk in the flour, salt, garlic powder, and white ground pepper until smooth.
Pour in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat as soon as the milk starts to boil.
Add the cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened.
Add the noodles and bread crumbs into the cheese sauce and fold to combine.
Then, fill each muffin tin cup with the mac n’ cheese.
Place the muffin pan in the oven, and cook the macaroni and cheese bites for 25 minutes until browned on top.
Allow the bites to cool. Serve and enjoy!
Tips To Keep Mac n Cheese Bites From Falling Apart
One way to ensure your bites don’t fall apart is to press the mac and cheese into the muffin tin with a small spoon or fork before the bites bake. This will help the mixture bind together as they cook.
It is also important to give them enough time to cool before serving. Not only will this allow the flavors to settle, but it will also help the “muffin” structure solidify so the bites do not fall apart when they are removed from the pan!
Storing and Reheating
Any leftover mac and cheese bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container to help them stay fresh.
Reheat your bites in the microwave until warm, then serve.
Recipe Tips
- For a crunchier topping, whisk together 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter and then sprinkle the topping over your Mac n cheese.
- Allowing the bites time to cool helps the flavors settle and helps the “muffin” structure solidify so your bites don’t fall apart when removed from the pan.
- Feel free to use whatever bread crumbs you have available. I like the texture of Panko crumbs, but traditional or homemade bread crumbs will work as well.
- I like to keep the seasonings pretty light so that the flavors of the cheese really come through.
- Make sure that your milk is bubbling before you add the cheese, otherwise the sauce will not thicken properly and the cheese will not fully incorporate with the milk.
Here are a few more cheesy recipes to try.
- Ham and Cheese Casserole
- Cheese Soup Recipe
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
- Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole
This bite-sized version of a simple and classic dish will be a big hit whether you serve them alongside your family dinner or bring them to a casual potluck. There is never a wrong time for these Macaroni and cheese bites.
Macaroni And Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¾ cup shredded white cheddar
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 8 ounces macaroni noodles (cooked and drained)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a muffin tin in butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, quickly whisk in the flour, salt, garlic powder, and white ground pepper until smooth and combined.
- Add the milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and add the cheese. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the noodles and bread crumbs to the cheese sauce and fold to combine.
- Fill your muffin tin with the Mac n cheese.
- Place the pan in the oven and allow your mac n cheese bites to cook for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and use a spoon to help loosen the edges of the bites from the tray. Allow the bites to cool down for 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!