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Crispy Mac and Cheese Muffins Recipe Easy Perfect Gooey Cheddar Snack

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These Crispy Mac and Cheese Muffins combine a crunchy exterior with a creamy, gooey cheddar center, making them an irresistible and easy-to-make snack perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml), warm
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (170g), shredded
  • ½ cup mild cheddar cheese (50g), shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (25g), grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to bubble but doesn’t brown.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480ml) of warm whole milk while whisking constantly. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1½ cups sharp cheddar, ½ cup mild cheddar, and ¼ cup Parmesan (if using). Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon mustard powder. Stir until all cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
  5. In a mixing bowl, fold the cooked macaroni gently into the cheese sauce. Let this mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.
  7. Lightly grease your muffin tin cups. Divide the mac and cheese mixture evenly among 12 cups, pressing down gently. Sprinkle a generous layer of the breadcrumb mixture on top of each muffin.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. For extra gooeyness, add a small cube of cheddar in the center of each muffin before baking.
  9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the mac and cheese mixture cool before scooping to help muffins hold their shape. Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for balanced flavor. Press mixture firmly into muffin cups for a compact, crispy edge. If tops brown too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. For extra crispy topping, brush panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Muffins can be made ahead and reheated in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese muffins, cheddar snack, easy snack, party food, comfort food, cheesy muffins

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crispy-mac-and-cheese-muffins-recipe-easy-perfect-gooey-cheddar-snack/