Let’s be real, anything mac and cheese bites instantly wins in my kitchen, but Mac and Cheese Bites? Oh yes. These little guys are crunchy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with protein. I whipped these up while testing a few festive snack ideas, and let me tell you they did not last long! They’re perfect for holiday parties, meal prep, or just because you need a cheesy snack to brighten your day. What I love most about these is how easy they are to make in a muffin tin. They’re baked (not fried), super customizable, and totally kid-approved. Plus, they sneak in cottage cheese and still taste amazing. You’ll be saving this one for sure!
Method
1. Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the mac in a pot of salted water. Check the packet for the cooking time and cook it for just under that this is important because you want the pasta to be slightly undercooked. It should still have a little firmness, as it will finish cooking in the oven later. Once it’s done, drain the pasta but make sure to save a ladle of that starchy pasta water. You’ll need it to help blend the sauce and bind everything together.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a blender or food processor, add the light cottage cheese, the lightest cream cheese, a generous ladle of the reserved pasta water, the wholegrain mustard, mixed herbs, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Blend it all until smooth and creamy. The pasta water helps loosen the mixture and makes it easier to coat the pasta later.
3. Mix Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Pour the warm, drained macaroni into a large mixing bowl. While it’s still warm, pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and mix until every piece is coated. Now whisk one egg in a small bowl, and pour it into the mixture. Stir again to combine. Next, mix in 30g of breadcrumbs and 40g of the grated reduced-fat cheddar. These help the bites hold together when baked, giving them structure and cheesy goodness throughout.
4. Prep the Muffin Tray
Spray each slot of a 12-hole muffin tray with a bit of spray oil or fry light. This stops the bites from sticking and makes it easier to remove them once baked. After spraying, sprinkle a small pinch of breadcrumbs into the bottom of each mold. This gives the base a bit of crunch and helps absorb any moisture while baking.
5. Assemble the Bites
Using a spoon or scoop, fill each muffin tray mold with the mac and cheese mixture. Press it in gently to make sure it holds its shape. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and a few more breadcrumbs over the top of each bite. This gives you that beautiful, golden, cheesy crust when they come out of the oven.
6. Bake Until Golden
Place the tray into a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F). Bake the bites for about 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crispy. The cheese will be bubbling and the bites should feel firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Finish
Once baked, take the tray out and let the bites cool in the pan for about 2–3 minutes. This step is important it allows them to firm up so they don’t fall apart when you remove them. After cooling, use a spoon to gently lift each bite out of the tray. If you’d like, top them off with freshly chopped chives for a little pop of color and flavor before serving.
Necessary Tools
- Muffin tray (12-slot)
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon or scoop
- Cheese grater
Mac and Cheese Bites (Protein-Packed, Cheesy & Festive Fun!)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes12
minutes27
minutesIngredients
280g dry macaroni
185g light cottage cheese
85g lightest cream cheese
1/2 tsp wholegrain mustard
Mixed herbs (to taste)
Salt and pepper
50g reduced fat cheddar (50%)
40g breadcrumbs
1 egg
Reserved pasta water
Chopped chives (optional, for topping)
Fry light or spray oil
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, blitz together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, mustard, herbs, salt, pepper, and that saved pasta water.
- Pour the cheesy mix over the warm pasta. Stir in the whisked egg, 30g of the breadcrumbs, and 40g of the grated cheddar. Mix well.
- Pour the cheesy mix over the warm pasta. Stir in the whisked egg, 30g of the breadcrumbs, and 40g of the grated cheddar. Mix well.
- Spray your muffin tray with oil. Sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs into each mold for crunch.
- Spoon the mac mixture into each slot, then top with the rest of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 12 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
- Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before removing. Top with chopped chives if you like!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the macaroni or the bites will get mushy when baked.
- Let the bites cool before trying to remove them this helps them firm up and not fall apart.
- If your mixture feels too dry, add a splash more pasta water before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a little dollop of ketchup or BBQ sauce on the side.
- Add a green salad or roasted veggies to turn them into a full lunch.
- Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or party platters!
Fun Fact
Did you know mac and cheese has been around since the 1700s? But these baked bites? Total 21st-century glow-up. Cheesy, bite-sized, and perfect for sharing (or not).
Conclusion
These mac and cheese bites are everything fun, flavorful, and secretly protein-packed! I’ve made them for brunches, game nights, and just to satisfy those cozy comfort cravings. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, these cheesy bites always hit the spot. Go ahead and save this one you’ll be making it on repeat!
