Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
Golden, crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these Oven baked mac and cheese bites are the ultimate easy party appetizer.
Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
These oven baked mac and cheese bites are the ultimate bite sized comfort food. Crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside. Baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned servings, they’re easy to make, freezer friendly, and completely crowd pleasing. Whether you’re planning a party, packing lunchboxes, or looking for a fun way to use leftover mac and cheese, these golden little cups deliver big flavor in every bite. No frying needed, just a simple, oven baked method that gives you a crunchy edge and a gooey center every time. Find more ideas 👉🏻Oven Bake and Grilled Meals recipes.
FAQ’s
Yes! Leftover mac and cheese works perfectly. Just make sure it’s cold so the bites hold their shape when pressed into the muffin tin.
Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove. Using eggs and cheese in the mixture also helps bind everything together.
Absolutely. Grease it well or use silicone muffin pans so the bites release easily and get those crispy edges.
Yes! Prepare and bake them in advance, then store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
Yes! Mini tins are perfect for party appetizers—just reduce the baking time slightly.
They’re delicious with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a simple ketchup dip.
Ingredients for Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites 🧀
- macaroni
- unsalted butter 🧈
- all-purpose flour
- cream
- shredded Cheddar cheese 🧀
- sprig of thyme
- Parmesan
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste 🧂
How To make, Oven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites 🍽️
- Mac and Cheese Bites are a convenient and comforting recipe with a modern twist. Everyone loves macaroni and cheese for its creamy texture, rich, creamy flavor, and gooey, melted cheese.
- Try making them in muffin form for an even more intriguing meal. Neat portions with a delicious golden crust on the outside and a tender, cheesy center on the inside.
- These bites look impressive, are easy to serve, and are perfect for both everyday meals and holidays.
- Choose the right base for the recipe. It’s best to use pasta with a distinct shape: elbow macaroni, or small shells. They hold the sauce well and help the pieces hold their shape after baking. Cheese plays a key role.
- Choose a classic, sharp cheddar with a rich flavor or a gooey mozzarella. A mixture of two or three cheeses can be used for a deeper flavor. For a special touch, sprinkle the cheese muffins with Parmesan cheese.
- To help the bites stick together, you can add an egg to the mixture (we didn’t). It helps the mixture “stick” during baking and makes it easier to remove the bites from the pan.
- A little heavy cream will make the mixture creamier, and for extra flavor, you can add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, paprika, or a pinch of mustard.
- This recipe is perfect for parties, kids’ parties, game nights, or as a convenient snack option.
- Mac and cheese bites are easy to make ahead, reheat well, and are suitable for freezing.
- For variety, you can add bits of bacon, broccoli, leftover chicken, or jalapeños.
- The result is not just a casserole, but perfect cheesy mini-portions that disappear faster than you can put down the plate.
End your day with a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and joy to the table. Whether you’re craving a hearty roast, a simple one-pot dish, or a family favorite casserole, or sheet pan dinners, and even Oven Bake and Grilled Meals, Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Recipes, and simple, Stovetop Meals. These dinner recipes make every night deliciously easy. Explore more dinner ideas and find your next go-to recipe today.
Recommendations
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Mt Favorite Mac and Cheese recipes to try. YUMMY! 😉
- Boerewors Mac n Cheese Casserole
- Homemade Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Homemade Family Macaroni and Cheese
- Easy Macaroni and Cheese for Two
Find more ideas
PrintOven Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
Golden, crispy on the outside and creamy inside, these oven baked mac and cheese bites are the ultimate easy party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 12-15 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: oven cook and bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 10% cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
- sprig of thyme
- 1–ounce Parmesan
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the macaroni al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a medium, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the cream and stir. Reduce the heat to low and add salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Slowly stir in the Cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Spray mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully fill the tins 2/3 full with the macaroni and cheese. Press firmly into the muffin tins.
- Finely grate the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the bites with Parmesan cheese. Bake the muffins until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
- Let the muffins cool almost completely. Carefully run a knife around the edge and remove the cheese muffins. Serve with cherry tomatoes and spring onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- A mixture of two or three cheeses can be used for a deeper flavor.
-
you can add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, paprika, or a pinch of mustard.
- adding some bits of bacon or ham will also up lift these bites.
- using some full cream will add a rich flavor.
- an egg in the mixture will bind the ingredients in the muffin pan.
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