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    Home » Lunch Recipes

    Mac and Cheese Muffins

    Modified: May 12, 2025 · Published: Feb 21, 2014 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    48 shares
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    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.

    Mac and Cheese Muffins - If your kids love mac and cheese, try this fun variation.

    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.

    macaroni and cheese muffin ingredients

    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.

    mac and cheese in a muffin tin

     After you take the muffins out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan.

    kids recipe - macaroni and cheese muffins

    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.

    mac and cheese muffins in pan

    FAQs For Mac and Cheese Muffins

    Can I use boxed mac and cheese instead of homemade?

    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.

    Can I make these ahead of time?

    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.

    Can I freeze them?

    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

    Vicky
    Mac and Cheese Muffins - If your kids love mac and cheese, try this fun variation.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 112 kcal

    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

    Prep time: 15 minutes
    Cook time: pasta cooking time + 30 minutes for baking
    Yield: 12 muffins

    Nutrition

    Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 386mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 267IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 143mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword mac and cheese muffins
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    For more family friendly recipes check out:

    Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

    Southwestern Casserole

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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Party of 5 says

      February 22, 2014 at 4:38 pm

      Oh my goodness, every kid loves mac & cheese. I'm taking this one 🙂

      Reply
    2. Mari Corona says

      February 21, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      My daughter will love this thanks for great share 🙂

      Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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