Mac and Cheese Cups

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Mac and Cheese cups are a great twist on a classic side and are made of soft pasta coated in creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection in a muffin pan to make serving a breeze.  These are a huge hit and everyone will rave about them!
Try Baked Macaroni and Cheese for a pan-sized version of this crowd pleasing meal.  It bakes up just as quick and easy as the cups, delivers the same amazing flavors, and is great indulgent and comforting meal.
Mac and cheese cups stacked on a plate.

Mac and Cheese Cups

Mac and Cheese Cups are great for entertaining friends and family or for a fun lunch at home.  They are the ultimate comfort food and are packed with all the great flavors that make mac and cheese a family favorite.  The soft pasta on the inside is coated in creamy cheese, while the outside has the perfect crispy topping.  These are so addictive and even picky eaters will love them!  It’s like getting the corner piece every time!

Mac and Cheese cups are not only quick and easy to serve fresh, but they are also very simple to make ahead and transport to an event.  These are stress free and simple for guests to pick up and enjoy!  They are always a huge hit and are the first tray to be empty from any gathering because they are so kid friendly and popular.  Everyone will go crazy over these delicious mac and cheese cups!

Ingredients in Macaroni and Cheese Cups:

Pantry staple ingredients come together easily to make this effortless side dish.  The mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese melts together perfectly and fills each bite with irresistible flavor and texture.  Just one will not be enough!

  • Elbow macaroni: Uncooked elbow macaroni is perfect for these cups.
  • Butter: Use either salted or unsalted. Just adjust the additional salt accordingly.
  • Egg: Beaten egg holds each cup together.
  • Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: Half goes into the pasta mixture and half is sprinkled on top of each cup.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Soft, moist cheese that is creamy with milky flavor.
  • Milk: Makes the cheese sauce creamy.
  • Seasoned dry bread crumbs: Adds crunch as it bakes with the oil.
  • Olive oil: Moistens the bread crumbs and gives the topping a light, crispy texture.
  • Salt: To taste!

How to Make Baked Macaroni Cups:

This Mac and Cheese Cups recipe is just as easy as the homemade baked mac and cheese we have all made for years.  Simply add the pasta mixture to a greased muffin tin, sprinkle with cheese and the most amazing bread crumb topping, then let it bake to perfection.

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then, grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.  Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta: Now, add the macaroni to the boiling water, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to the pan.
  3. Mix together past and sauce: Stir in the butter and egg until the pasta is evenly coated. Before mixing, reserve ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese.  Then stir the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and milk into the pasta. Carefully spoon even amounts into the muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  4. Prepare topping: In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, olive oil, and salt, then sprinkle the mixture on top.
  5. Bake: Place in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until it is golden brown. Lastly, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Steps to make mac and cheese cups.

Variations of Muffin Cups:

The best part about these mac and cheese cups is how versatile they are. Try this Ranch Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups for another favorite variation. These cheese cups are easy to adapt which creates unique treats that are custom to your family!

  • Mix ins: Add healthy veggies like broccoli or even some proteins like chicken, crumbled bacon, or ham to make these a tiny version of a complete meal.
  • Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan to make bite size gems that are both savory and impressive.  Serve them as an appetizer or snack.
  • Easy removal:  Use cupcake liners for an even easier removal option.  For best results, let them cool for about 10 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
Finished mac and cheese cups in a muffin tray.

Storing Cheese Cups:

Macaroni and cheese cups are great to make ahead because they are so quick easy to reheat for a quick side or a warm lunch.  If you plan to use them within a week, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.  Or freeze to use again within 2 months.  When you are ready to use them, simply microwave and use immediately, or thaw in the refrigerator and use within 3 days.

Close up on a mac and cheese muffin.

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes:

Mac and Cheese Cups

3 from 1 vote
Mac and Cheese cups are a great twist on a classic side and are made of soft pasta coated in creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection in a muffin pan to make serving a breeze.  These are a huge hit and everyone will rave about them!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Alyssa Rivers
Servings: 15 Mac and Cheese Cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to the pan. Stir in the butter and egg until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Reserve ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese and stir the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and milk into the pasta. Spoon evenly into the muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  • In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, olive oil, and salt. Sprinkle on the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven or until it is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Notes

Updated on August 6, 2020
Originally Posted on August 11, 2012

Nutrition

Serves: 15

Calories105kcal (5%)Carbohydrates1gProtein6g (12%)Fat8g (12%)Saturated Fat5g (25%)Cholesterol35mg (12%)Sodium236mg (10%)Potassium45mg (1%)Sugar1g (1%)Vitamin A254IU (5%)Calcium158mg (16%)Iron1mg (6%)

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese cups, macaroni and cheese, macaroni and cheese cups
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic

 

Alyssa Rivers

I am Alyssa and the blogger behind The Recipe Critic. I started my blog in June of 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family.

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Comments

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  1. These are excellent! I have made them twice. The milk, however does not mix in, just sits at the
    bottom when adding. I spoon whatever liquid is in the bottom evenly into muffin tins and it works
    out. Should I be heating the milk first?

  2. 3 stars
    They look great but there’s absolutely no way they are only 1g of carbs per serving with both pasta and bread crumbs.

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