[ad_1]
Learn how to make quick and easy Mac and Cheese Bites (with veggies!) for an easy kids lunch or dinner. These mac and cheese cups are so fun, and are a nutritious kids meal that can easily double as an appetizer to share with adults.
Mac and Cheese Bites
We love to rotate through lots of types of pasta in our house and these muffin tin mac and cheese cups are a fun option that I sometimes make for lunch for the kids—or as an appetizer to share with grownups. It’s so easy too!
You start with a box of mac and cheese, then add an egg and optional veggies. They bake up in about 10 minutes and are a fun food that the kids can eat with their hands.
I for sure don’t make these every time we have mac and cheese, but it’s a fun option…especially for a day that needs a little mealtime surprise (like snow days or days when you’re just stuck at home).
You can use any brand of mac and cheese you like, with any shape of pasta. So use what the kids might prefer!
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you need to make this recipe for mac and cheese muffins:
- Box mac and cheese (any brand): I use Annie’s here, but any brand will work similarly.
- Egg: A large egg helps to hold the mixture together when it bakes into little muffins.
- Broccoli: I cut up fresh broccoli with kitchen scissors so the pieces were nice and small.
- Shredded cheese: This is optional, but it looks nice on top of the mac and cheese bites.
Ingredient Swaps
Use a gluten-free mac and cheese if you need to.
The broccoli and cheese are optional, though we love using them.
Trade in peas or cauliflower rice for the broccoli if you prefer.
Homemade Mac and Cheese, especially if you have leftovers, would work similarly in this too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese according to package directions.
- Add in the egg and broccoli, if using.
- Stir together.
- Divide into the prepared muffin pan. Add a little cheese on top if desired.
- Bake until just golden brown.
- Let cool just slightly and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can really use any type of boxed mac and cheese you like. We usually buy Annies, but any kind will work similarly.
No, though it’s a nice way to add a veggie into the mix. You can use peas or cauliflower rice if you prefer, or skip adding the veggie all together.
Sure, here I have them shown in a standard size muffin pan, but you can use a mini muffin pan. Fill each about full and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on top. Be sure to grease the pan first with nonstick spray.
How to Store
Store leftover mac and cheese muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Heat for 15-30 seconds in the microwave to serve. You can warm and pack in a thermos for a kids lunch, too, which is really fun and unexpected.
TIP: Find my go-to thermoses for kids to ensure you have one that holds heat well.
Best Tips for Success
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share.
Easiest Mac and Cheese Bites (aka Mac and Cheese Cups)
Learn how to make quick and easy Mac and Cheese Bites for an easy kids lunch or dinner. These bites are fun and a nutritious kids meal that can easily double as an appetizer! You can even add in veggies like broccoli for the most delicious mac and cheese cups.
Ingredients
- 5.5 ounce box Mac and Cheese (1 standard box)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup minced broccoli (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
-
Prepare the mac and cheese according to the package directions, cooking the pasta, draining it, then mixing it with the butter, milk, and cheese powder in the pot.
-
Stir the egg and broccoli, if using, into the mac and cheese. Divide among the prepared muffin tin, using a heaping ¼ cup each.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Heat for 15-30 seconds in the microwave to serve.
- Use kitchen scissors to finely mince the broccoli so it’s about the same size as the noddles.
- Use whichever type of boxed mac and cheese you prefer. Cook according to package directions.
- Use peas or cauliflower rice instead of broccoli.
- To make in a mini muffin pan, fill each cup about full and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Serving: 2cupsCalories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 322mgPotassium: 114mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 259IUCalcium: 82mgIron: 1mg
[ad_2]
Source link