Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe - The Buttered Gnocchi (2024)

These mini cheesy bites stuffed with three different types of cheese and topped with bread crumbs formed into little cups create the perfect appetizer. Fitting into the hors d'oeuvres category, this mini mac and cheese recipe is such a delight and can be eaten in just one bite. This recipe will please any mac and cheese lover.

These little homemade macaroni and cheese bites are the perfect party appetizer. They are great to serve around the holidays. The perfect finger food for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. They can also find the perfect place on your appetizer menu for Easter and can be a great side dish for summer barbecues and the 4th of July. They are also a great appetizer to serve for game day.

This was inspired by my Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cavatappi on this site, and pairs well with these Mini Bacon Quiches.

Ingredients

• elbow macaroni
• sharp cheddar cheese
• pepper jack cheese
• parmesan cheese
• milk
• flour
• garlic cloves
• butter
• salt and pepper
• bread crumbs

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Melt butter in a skillet or dutch oven on medium-low heat and add crushed garlic. Cook about 1-2 minutes before garlic burns and butter browns. Add flour and mix until flour is mixed in to create a roux. Allow the flour to cook for about 3 minutes on medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Add in the milk and mix. Allow the milk to simmer until it begins to bubble and thicken.

Add in the milk and mix. Allow the milk to simmer until it begins to bubble and thicken. Add in all of the shredded cheese and half of the bread crumbs. Mix in well and allow the cheese to melt. Mix constantly so that the cheese does not burn.

Boil elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Mix the cooked pasta in with the cheese sauce until all of the macaroni is evenly coated.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a mini muffin tin. Place the macaroni mixture and form to each muffin cup. Top each macaroni bite with bread crumbs. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the tops of the bites are golden brown. Serve while still warm.

Hint: once the mac and cheese bites are done baking, allow them to sit and cool in the pan for about 3-5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to set and give the bites a second to cool down.

Substitutions

• Cheese - use a vegan cheese if you need a dairy free alternative. You can also switch out the cheeses used. I would suggest using cheddar for sure but other than that you can add monterey jack cheese or mozzarella cheese. These are all great substitutes.
• Milk - replace with almond milk if a dairy free alternative is needed. You can also use heavy cream if you prefer a more rich and creamy texture.
• Macaroni - use cavatappi noodles if desired. A smaller noodle is definitely the most effective though.
• Garlic - garlic powder can be used to replace fresh garlic.

Variations

• Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish, or some hot sauce.
• Mac and Cheese - cook until pasta is mixed in and then serve for a delicious side dish of macaroni and cheese.
• Kid friendly - replace the pepper jack cheese with white cheddar cheese in order to omit some of the heat from the dish.

See this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe on my website!

Equipment

To create this recipe, you will need a large pot for boiling, skillet or dutch oven, cheese grater and mini muffin pan. You will also need some nonstick cooking spray.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Leftover mac and cheese can be heated up in the oven or microwave.

These ingredients do stand up well to freezing for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container.

FAQ

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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