Creamy Mac and Cheese Cups

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, gooey serving of mac and cheese. This classic dish, beloved by both children and adults alike, has secured its place in the hearts and kitchens of many. Whether it's the nostalgia of childhood meals or the simple pleasure of cheesy goodness, mac and cheese brings joy to countless dinner tables. But what if we could elevate this comfort food experience into a fun and portable treat? Enter the Cheesy Delight Mac and Cheese Cups—a delightful twist on the traditional recipe that makes it easy to enjoy this classic dish on the go.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food revolution with Cheesy Delight Mac and Cheese Cups! These portable treats combine creamy macaroni with rich cheese and a crunchy topping, making them perfect for parties or quick dinners. Easily customizable with different cheeses and add-ins, they are fun to make with kids and sure to impress guests. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of mac and cheese in a neat little package, ready to elevate any meal!

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Ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until light golden. Slowly add the milk, continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add Cheese and Seasoning: Once the sauce is thick, reduce the heat to low and add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine thoroughly.

Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

Fill the Cups: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil (or melted butter) and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the macaroni cheese cups.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve: Allow the mac and cheese cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 servings