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Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites

Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites
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Mac and Cheese Pizza Bites are a delicious bite-sized comfort snack that blends creamy mac and cheese with zesty pizza flavors. Crispy on the outside with gooey cheese and a savory marinara kick inside, these easy-to-make appetizers are perfect for parties, quick snacks, or family treats. Customizable and kid-approved, they bring together classic favorites in a fun, portable form.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese Base

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg

Pizza Elements and Topping

  • 3 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Begin by boiling elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly, as you’ll want the pasta warm but not hot when mixing with cheese.
  2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and marinara: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Fold in a few tablespoons of marinara sauce for that classic pizza flavor infusion. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly to bind the mixture.
  4. Form the bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray. Using a spoon or hands, shape the mac and cheese mixture into small balls and gently press them into the muffin cups.
  5. Add toppings and crust: Top each bite with a little extra marinara sauce and sprinkle with a mixture of bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.
  6. Bake until golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Let the bites cool slightly before removing them carefully from the tin.

Notes

  • Use cold butter for the crust to help bread crumbs crisp up beautifully during baking.
  • Don’t overfill muffin tins to keep bites uniform and easy to remove.
  • Let bites cool before serving to stabilize their shape and prevent crumbling.
  • Add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb topping to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Use a non-stick muffin pan to prevent sticking and ease the baking process.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, pizza bites, appetizer, snack, party food, comfort food, bite-sized, cheesy, quick snack

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/mac-and-cheese-pizza-bites/