Homemade Mac & Cheese Bites
Homemade Mac & Cheese Bites are the ultimate party snack, delivering a delightful crunch on the outside and creamy, cheesy goodness on the inside. With a combination of macaroni pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb coating, these bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and customize with your favorite cheeses and spices, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for a comforting experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (36 bites) 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional spices: paprika or garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and stir until thickened. Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Stir in beaten eggs until combined.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Scoop mixture into small balls; roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bites on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or pepper jack. Make ahead by freezing uncooked bites; fry or bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.