Creamy Mac and Cheese Cups

To craft the perfect mac and cheese cups, it’s crucial to understand the role of each ingredient in the recipe. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is an indulgent experience.

Discover the comforting delight of Decadent Creamy Mac and Cheese Cups! This innovative twist on a beloved classic offers all the rich, cheesy goodness in a portable format perfect for any gathering. In our article, we provide a step-by-step guide to making these delicious bites, featuring elbow macaroni, a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners—these cups are a must-try for cheese lovers!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

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

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Add Cheeses: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.

Prepare the Cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup with the mac and cheese mixture, packing it down slightly.

Add Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each mac and cheese cup to create a crunchy topping.

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: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges of each mac and cheese cup before removing them from the tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | 12 cups