Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has captured the hearts and palates of people across the globe. This creamy, cheesy dish is not just a staple in American cuisine; it transcends borders and often finds its way onto dinner tables, school lunches, and family gatherings worldwide. In recent years, however, there has been a delightful trend towards transforming this classic comfort food into bite-sized snacks that are perfect for sharing and celebrating.

Discover the ultimate snack sensation with Sizzling Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites! This recipe transforms the classic comfort food into irresistible bite-sized treats, featuring crispy bacon and a gooey, cheesy center. Perfect for any occasion, these savory snacks are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. From game day gatherings to family dinners, elevate your culinary game with this delightful dish. Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)

Cooking spray (or oil for greasing)

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, reserving a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly, around 5 minutes.

Add Spices and Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and combined.

Combine: Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated.

Prepare the Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin tin cup with the mac and cheese mixture, packing it down gently.

Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each mac and cheese bite.

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

Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with dried parsley, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 24 bites