Creamy Mac and Cheese Cups

Cheesy Delight Mac and Cheese Cups offer a delightful twist on the timeless comfort food that many of us hold dear. These individual servings transform the classic mac and cheese into a fun, portable format that is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a lively party, preparing for a family gathering, or simply looking for a cozy weeknight meal, these bite-sized cups are sure to impress. Their creamy, cheesy goodness is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Discover the joy of Cheesy Delight Mac and Cheese Cups, the perfect twist on the classic comfort food! These individual servings make for a fun, portable option for parties, gatherings, or cozy dinners. Each cup features creamy cheese sauce enveloping pasta, topped with a delightful crunchy breadcrumb layer. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they are sure to satisfy your cheese cravings and impress family and friends alike. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia in a modern format!

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup whole milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or opt for silicone baking cups for easy release.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes as per package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once fully melted and bubbling, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Incorporate Milk and Cream Cheese: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain, followed by the softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken—this should take around 3-4 minutes.

Melt the Cheddar: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper if desired. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly until all the pasta is evenly coated with the delicious cheese mixture.

Fill the Cups: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin tin or silicone cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow for expansion during baking.

Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture generously over each mac and cheese cup for an extra crunchy topping.

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

Cool and Serve: Allow the mac and cheese cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Gently remove each cup and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 12 servings