Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple and fun! Today, we’re diving into a delightful twist on a classic comfort food: Baked Mac and Cheese Cups. These portable, cheesy bites are perfectly portioned and incredibly easy to make. They are a fantastic kid-friendly option, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable for any meal or snack occasion. Get ready to bake up some deliciousness!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Mac and Cheese Cups
You’ll adore these charming mac and cheese muffin cups for so many reasons. They offer perfect individual portions, ideal for tiny hands or party platters. These little wonders are fantastic for school lunchboxes or as an impressive appetizer at gatherings. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making cleanup a breeze.
Every bite delivers creamy, cheesy, golden perfection. Plus, these savory treats are guaranteed kid-approved comfort food. Best of all, they come together quickly, ready in about 35 minutes!
Ingredients
Creating delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Cups starts with a few simple ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already. These quantities yield eight perfect servings, making them great for a small family meal or an appetizer.
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni pasta (125g): Classic elbow pasta is perfect for these cups.
- 1 large egg: This is the essential binder that helps your cups hold their shape.
- ¾ cup 1% milk: Creates a wonderfully creamy texture for your mac and cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the delicious flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional): Adds a subtle, warm kick without being too spicy.
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and tastes richer.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize these Baked Mac and Cheese Cups to suit your preferences! For pasta, small shapes like shells, rotini, or mini penne work wonderfully instead of macaroni. If you need a gluten-free option, easily swap in your favorite gluten-free macaroni. Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend for different flavor profiles. If sriracha isn’t your style, simply omit it or add a pinch of black pepper for a mild seasoning.
Lastly, whole milk or 2% milk can easily be used in place of 1% milk for an equally creamy result.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy gadgets to make these delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Cups. Gather these basic kitchen tools, and you’ll be ready to go:
- Medium pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin (a silicone one works great too!)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly portioned Baked Mac and Cheese Cups. Making these delightful treats is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Cook the macaroni: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 5 minutes, or just until it’s al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease 8 cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin. If you’re using a silicone muffin pan, greasing isn’t necessary.
- Prepare the liquid mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg, ¾ cup of 1% milk, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and the optional ¼ teaspoon of sriracha sauce until well combined. This mixture forms the creamy base for your mac and cheese.
- Combine ingredients: Add the slightly cooled, cooked macaroni pasta and the 2½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the egg and milk mixture. Stir everything gently with a spoon or spatula until the pasta and cheese are evenly coated.
- Fill the muffin cups: Divide the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly among the 8 greased muffin cups. Press the mixture down gently into each cup to ensure they are packed well.
- Bake the cups: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the Baked Mac and Cheese Cups are completely set in the center. They should feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the cups sit in the tin for 5-10 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it helps them firm up and hold their shape. Carefully run a knife around the edge of each cup, then gently remove them from the tin. Serve your delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Cups immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Baked Mac and Cheese Cups every time with these helpful tips! First, avoid overcooking your pasta initially; it needs to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Secondly, always let the cups rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before attempting to remove them from the tin. This crucial step helps them set and hold their shape beautifully. For the easiest, stick-free removal, consider using a silicone muffin pan.
According to culinary experts, freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. discover why fresh cheese melts better
To prevent any sticking, ensure you grease your muffin tin very well. Finally, don’t skip the egg; it’s essential for binding all the ingredients together and keeping your mac and cheese in cup form.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delightful Baked Mac and Cheese Cups are incredibly versatile.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course Sides: Pair them perfectly with BBQ chicken or air fryer burgers for a complete meal. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to crock pot pulled pork.
- Lighter Meal: For a lighter option, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables.
- Kid’s Lunches: Pack them into lunchboxes with banana chocolate chip muffins or air fryer turkey nuggets for a fun, satisfying meal.
- Appetizers: They shine as an appetizer! Offer them with pizza sliders, cheesy quesadillas, pigs in a blanket, or a warm cheesy chicken alfredo dip.
Storage
Store any leftover mac and cheese cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen cups overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave gently until heated, being careful not to overcook.
Variations
- Different Cheeses: Elevate the flavor by using a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for extra heartiness.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding finely chopped broccoli florets, frozen peas, or shredded carrots to the mixture.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top before baking for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition
These Baked Mac and Cheese Cups offer a convenient and satisfying meal or snack option. Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 166 cal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
FAQ
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily scale all the ingredients to make a larger batch of these Baked Mac and Cheese Cups for a crowd. Just ensure you have enough muffin tins.
Do these taste good cold?
Surprisingly, these mac and cheese cups are quite delicious when cold, making them perfect for packed lunches or quick grab-and-go snacks.
Do I have to use an egg?
Yes, the egg is crucial for binding the macaroni and cheese together, ensuring your cups hold their individual shape. Do not omit it.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate recipe for delicious and easy Baked Mac and Cheese Cups! These delightful, portion-controlled treats offer convenience, incredible flavor, and wonderful versatility for any occasion. Whether you’re packing school lunches, planning a party, or simply craving a fun twist on a classic, these mac and cheese muffin cups are sure to be a hit.
We encourage you to try this recipe soon and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Baked Mac and Cheese Cups
Equipment
- Medium pot
- oven
- muffin pan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni pasta uncooked (125 grams)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk 1%
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional)
- 2½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375℉ and lightly grease 8 muffin cups or use a silicone muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, milk, salt, and sriracha; then stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheese.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the 8 muffin cups and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and set. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing and serving.