Creamy Mac & Cheese Cups

Discover the ultimate snack with Mini Cheesy Bliss Bites, a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese! These bite-sized snacks are easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and loved by both kids and adults. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a creamy, cheesy interior, they are ideal for parties, movie nights, or family dinners. Customize this recipe with your favorite cheeses or seasonings to create a delightful treat that will please any crowd. Enjoy the journey of making these mouthwatering bites and savor their cheesy goodness!

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Ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little kick)

½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Cooking spray or a little extra butter for greasing

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 2 minutes until it becomes a light golden color, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue cooking while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).

Add cheese and spices: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well.

Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is completely coated.

Prepare muffin tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling them all the way to the top.

Add breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a touch of melted butter or olive oil (this helps them crisp up). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese cups.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.

Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese cups cool for a few minutes. Gently run a butter knife around the edges to help release them before transferring to a serving plate.

Enjoy: Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 cups