Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cups Recipe

Introduction

These easy macaroni and cheese cups are a fun and portable twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a kid-friendly meal, they come out crispy on the top and creamy inside.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 1 and ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 cups cooked pasta*
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese (if using), milk, salt, paprika, and black pepper until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Evenly divide ¾ cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese among the 12 cups of a standard non-stick muffin tin, about 1 tablespoon per cup. Then, distribute the cooked pasta evenly into each cup and top with the remaining ¾ cup of Cheddar cheese.
4. Step 4: Pour approximately 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture over the pasta and cheese in each cup. Finish by sprinkling about 1 teaspoon of panko breadcrumbs on top of each cup.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the egg is set and the tops are golden brown.
6. Step 6: Use a plastic knife or spatula to gently loosen the mac and cheese cups around the edges, then carefully remove them from the tin and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try mixing cooked bacon bits or finely chopped cooked broccoli into the pasta before baking.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Swap Cheddar with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a gooier texture.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to preserve the crispy topping, or microwave for 1–2 minutes if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these macaroni and cheese cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Small shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work best because they fit well in the muffin cups and hold the cheesy mixture nicely.

Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 macaroni and cheese cups 1x

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Description

These Easy Macaroni and Cheese Cups are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food favorite, perfect for parties, lunches, or a fun family dinner. Made with creamy Cheddar cheese, a hint of Parmesan, and a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, these baked cups deliver gooey, cheesy goodness in perfectly portioned servings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Egg Mixture

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Macaroni and Cheese

• 1 and ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 cups cooked pasta (macaroni or your choice)
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese if using, milk, salt, paprika, and black pepper until smooth. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Layer Cheese and Pasta. In a standard 12-cup non-stick muffin tin, place about 1 tablespoon (3/4 cup total divided among cups) of shredded Cheddar cheese at the bottom of each cup. Then, evenly distribute the cooked pasta among the cups, topping each with the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.
4. Add Egg Mixture and Breadcrumbs. Pour approximately 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture over the pasta and cheese in each muffin cup. Finish by sprinkling about 1 teaspoon of panko breadcrumbs on top of each cup, adding a nice crunchy texture.
5. Bake. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the egg is set and the tops of the cups are nicely browned and crispy.
6. Remove and Serve. Once baked, use a plastic knife or spatula to loosen the edges of each mac and cheese cup from the tin. Carefully pop them out and serve warm for a delicious, handheld cheesy treat.

Notes

• You can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushy cups after baking.
• Use non-stick spray on the muffin tin if not non-stick to help with easy removal.
• These cups can be reheated in a microwave or oven for a quick snack or meal.
• Feel free to add cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños to the mixture for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, cheesy cups, baked macaroni, party appetizers, comfort food, easy recipe