Save Bite-sized, crispy mac and cheese treats featuring creamy cheese sauce and tender ditalini pasta, perfect for parties or snacking.
I first made these mac and cheese bites for a family gathering and they were an instant hit, disappearing quickly from the platter.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g (7 oz) ditalini pasta
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 120 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 60 g (½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp salt
- Coating: 1 large egg, 60 ml (¼ cup) milk, 80 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp smoked paprika, Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 2:
- Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 2 3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6:
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups. Gently press down to compact.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, whisk egg with milk. In another bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, and smoked paprika.
- Step 9:
- Brush the tops of the bites with the egg mixture, then sprinkle generously with the panko mixture.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently loosen and remove. Serve warm.
Save This recipe always brings my family together for a fun, delicious snack time filled with laughter and sharing.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce. Swap cheddar for Gruyère or add a handful of cooked bacon bits for a savory twist. Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping.
Required Tools
Saucepan, whisk, mixing bowls, mini muffin tin (24-cup), measuring cups and spoons, spoon or small scoop
Allergen Information
Contains milk eggs and wheat gluten. Double-check cheese and breadcrumb labels for hidden allergens if needed.
Save Enjoy warm for the best crispy outside and creamy inside combination.
Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for these bites?
Ditalini pasta is ideal for these bites due to its small tubular shape, holding the cheese sauce well and fitting perfectly in mini muffin tins.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, swapping cheddar for Gruyère or adding mozzarella helps vary the flavor while keeping a creamy texture in the sauce.
- → How do I get a crispy coating?
Brushing the bites with an egg and milk wash before coating with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan ensures a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Is it necessary to cool the bites before serving?
Letting the bites cool briefly helps them set and makes removal from the muffin tin easier while maintaining their shape.
- → What dipping sauces complement these bites?
Warm marinara or ranch sauce pair wonderfully, offering a tangy or creamy contrast to the rich cheese flavors.