Bite-Sized Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
You can put together these one-bite servings of the comfort classic ahead of time and reheat them to impress guests at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) packed, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1/2 lb (225 g) elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 24-count, nonstick mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, whisking occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir to melt. Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, salt and nutmeg. Stir in macaroni.
- Spoon slightly rounded tbsp of macaroni and cheese into the prepared mini muffin pan. Each cup should be filled to the top. Pack each one down gently. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 10 – 15 minutes. Using a tsp, carefully loosen the mac and cheese bites and transfer to a platter to serve.
- To make ahead, bake and cool mac and cheese bites. Sprinkle with a little more Parmesan cheese. Package and refrigerate. Place bites on a baking sheet and bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 60
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the recipe add egg yolks to the cheese sauce?
The 3 egg yolks are stirred in after the cheddar and Parmesan melt into the béchamel — they help the mac and cheese set firm enough to hold its shape as a bite-sized cup after baking at 425°F, rather than slumping when unmolded from the mini muffin pan. Without them, the mixture would be too loose to pop out cleanly.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes — the instructions include a full make-ahead method. Bake the bites, let them cool, sprinkle with a little more Parmesan, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 400°F oven for 5 minutes. The excerpt also notes that they can be put together ahead of time and reheated to impress dinner party guests.
What does the pinch of nutmeg add and can I leave it out?
The ? tsp of freshly grated nutmeg is a classic béchamel seasoning that adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cheese sauce without tasting distinctly of nutmeg. It can be omitted without affecting the structure of the dish, but the sauce will taste slightly flatter. 
