BAKED MAC AND CHEESE BITES RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375�F. Grease two mini-muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain. 3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and saut� until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. 4. Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 5. Add the milk and whisk well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. 6. Season the sauce with the cayenne pepper (if using), salt and pepper. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the white cheddar and 1� cups of the yellow cheddar. Stir until the mixture is melted. 7. Stir in the cooked pasta and mix until it is evenly coated with the sauce. Scoop 1� to 2 tablespoons of the mac-and-cheese mixture into each cavity of the prepared pans. 8. Sprinkle a few pieces of yellow cheddar on top of each mac-and-cheese bite and then transfer the pans to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and the bites become golden, 17 to 20 minutes. 9. Let the bites cool for 15 minutes before unmolding and serving. Serve hot or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 2.75 quart pyrex baking dish with cooking spray or grease lightly with butter. Set aside
• Cook 1 cup macaroni according to package directions and drain well. Set aside.
• In a heavy saucepan, melt butter being very careful not to scorch. Add flour and stir well. Slowly pour in milk, salt and pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat an add cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
• Add cooked macaroni and fold into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Combine crushed crackers and butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden.