If you have kids, macaroni and cheese is probably a staple. I know it is at our place. My kids can be picky eaters and macaroni and cheese is something they never balk at. But lets get real, it can get pretty boring, so I wanted to make my basic family friendly recipe a little different. In the past, we have used muffin tins to create Italian Meatloaf Cupcakes and Verde Chicken Enchilada Cups. I got out my trusty muffin tin again and made some delicious Mac and Cheese Muffins which were a hit with the entire family. Be sure to also try our Chili Macaroni Casserole.
These mac and cheese muffins don't require many ingredients. In fact, you will be using most of the ingredients you use for your standard macaroni and cheese. But you will need a muffin tin.
You will want to make sure you grease the muffin tin generously, as these little muffins can be tough to get out otherwise. I found the easiest way to get them out intact was to run a butter knife along the sides and then use a large spoon to scoop them out.
After you take the muffins out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan.
It is great to make a batch of these and freeze what you don't use. Then on those rushed days, you can just pop a few in the microwave.
FAQs For Mac and Cheese Muffins
This recipe is made with homemade mac and cheese for that rich, creamy texture and flavor. You could use boxed in a pinch, but make sure it’s thick and not too saucy so the muffins hold their shape.
Definitely. They reheat well, so they’re great for meal prep or lunchboxes. Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container and warm up in the microwave when ready to eat.
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
📖 Recipe
Mac and Cheese Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese I used a cheddar and jack blend
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Dash of garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil a large pot of salted water and add the elbow macaroni. Boil according to package directions, then drain and return macaroni to pot with no heat.
- Stir in butter, beaten egg and sour cream.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheese and milk and stir under low heat until the sauce starts to thicken a bit.
- Generously grease a 12 cup muffin tin. Scoop the macaroni evenly into each cup.
- Mix the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheese with ¼ cup of bread crumbs and sprinkle over the muffins. Spray the top of the muffins with cooking spray.
- Bake for 30 minutes and let cool for a few minutes before removing from pan.
Video
Notes
Cook time: pasta cooking time + 30 minutes for baking
Yield: 12 muffins
Nutrition
For more family friendly recipes check out:
Party of 5 says
Oh my goodness, every kid loves mac & cheese. I'm taking this one 🙂
Mari Corona says
My daughter will love this thanks for great share 🙂