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Discover a delightful twist on classic comfort food with Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups. This innovative recipe transforms the traditional mac and cheese experience into convenient, portable bites. Whether you're planning a gathering, packing lunchboxes, or simply seeking a tasty snack, these muffin cups deliver the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese in a fun and unique format. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making these delicious muffin cups, providing you with tips, insights, and some background on this beloved dish.

Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups

Elevate your comfort food game with these Creamy Mac & Cheese Muffin Cups! This innovative recipe transforms classic mac and cheese into portable, bite-sized treats, perfect for gatherings, lunches, or snack time. With a rich blend of cheeses and optional add-ins like veggies and spices, these muffin cups are customizable to suit any palate. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create these deliciously cheesy delights that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

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

      Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

        Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

          Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

            Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is well coated.

              Add Egg for Binding: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and then fold it into the macaroni and cheese mixture. This will help to bind the muffins together.

                Fill Muffin Tins: Scoop a generous amount of the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling them to the top. If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

                  Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.

                    Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the muffin cups to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the muffin cups from the tin. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 12 muffin cups