MINI MACARONI AND CHEESE APPETIZERS
These Mini Mac and Cheese Appetizers are the best grab and go comfort food appetizer recipe!
DO THESE HAVE TO BE SERVED AS MINI APPETIZERS?
If you’re a macaroni and cheese lover like me, you’ll love these little bites that are baked in the oven until crisp. It’s best to bake them in mini-muffin tins because then you’ll end up with a grab and go appetizer that is super easy to eat. If you try to make them in regular muffin tins, they won’t turn out as crisp, and they definitely won’t be a “pick up and eat” kind of food to serve. These mini macaroni and cheese appetizers are perfect for serving at an appetizer party!
INGREDIENTS- 8 ounces small elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 ounces (1 packed cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces deli sliced American cheese, chopped
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water.
- Brush four 12-cup nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan; tap out the excess.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni.
- Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan on top.
- Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 minutes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.
RECIPE NOTES
Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared through step 5 (just before baking) and refrigerated overnight.