Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups

In the world of comfort food, few dishes hold as much nostalgia and satisfaction as macaroni and cheese. Its creamy, cheesy goodness has made it a staple in households, cherished by both children and adults alike. But what if you could take this beloved dish and transform it into a fun, portable format? Enter Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups—an innovative twist on a classic recipe that is perfect for a variety of occasions, from family dinners to festive gatherings.

Discover a fun twist on a classic comfort food with Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups! These portable, bite-sized delights pack all the cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese into a muffin format. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, they are easy to make and great for meal prep. Enjoy exploring creative flavor variations and impress your guests with this innovative recipe that brings nostalgia and convenience to the table. Dive into deliciousness today!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat until it just begins to simmer.

Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Combine Mixtures: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly add the cheese sauce to the bowl with the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, gently fold in the cooked macaroni.

Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling them to almost the top.

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni muffin cups.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve: Let the muffin cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before removing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 muffin cups