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Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

Deliciously crispy Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites topped with savory mushrooms, olives, sundried tomatoes, and a cheesy garlic breadcrumb crust. These bite-sized snacks combine creamy mac and cheese with flavorful toppings, perfect for parties or a comfort snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac & Cheese Base

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

Toppings

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mushroom Topping: 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 finely chopped parsley, frying for 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Breadcrumbs: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the remaining crushed garlic and dried breadcrumbs. Fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously until the breadcrumbs become crisp and golden. Transfer to a separate bowl.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the plain flour to create a thick paste (roux). Gradually add the milk in small splashes, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Stir the grated mature cheddar into the thickened white sauce until fully melted. Fold in the drained macaroni gently to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
  6. Assemble the Bites: Butter a 12-hole muffin tin. Divide the mac and cheese mixture evenly among the holes, firmly packing it down with the back of a spoon. Top each portion with a spoonful of mushroom mixture, a few slices of black olives or sundried tomatoes, then sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar and finish with a generous scattering of the garlic breadcrumbs.
  7. Chill if Desired: The prepared mac ‘n’ cheese bites can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  8. Bake the Bites: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / gas mark 7. Bake the bites for 15 minutes until they are golden brown and piping hot.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes. Loosen the edges with a spoon and transfer carefully to a serving plate. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use mature cheddar for a rich and tangy cheese flavor.
  • Mushroom mixture adds a savory, umami topping that complements the creamy mac and cheese.
  • Breadcrumb topping provides crunch and garlic flavor contrast.
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
  • Ensure to pack the mac and cheese firmly in the muffin tin to hold shape after baking.
  • Substitute olives and sundried tomatoes with other favorite toppings as desired.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated but best eaten within 24 hours.

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, cheesy snacks, baked mac and cheese, finger food, party appetizers

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/mac-n-cheese-bites-recipe/