While I’m not generally a fan of “kid foods”, there’s no denying the fact that there are certain foods that most kids like. Pizza, chicken nuggets and tenders, cheese sticks and applesauce often get two thumbs up from the kid-crowd, but children also tend to favor finger foods or those that don’t require utensils. Which, who can blame them – I mean, who has time, right?! Today’s recipe is a hand-held version of a tried and true favorite: mac and cheese bites.

The best kid food: Mac and Cheese Bites

I’m not going to go into a big schpeal about why you should make these. I mean, we all love mac and cheese, but hello, these are portable. Think snacks in the car after school as you head to lacrosse/swimming/dance/you fill-in-the-blanks. Or how about a great grab-and-go for lunches. For kids of all ages, wink-wink. Yeah, these mac and cheese bites are pretty awesome if I do say so myself. But don’t just take it from me – make a batch of these and get some all-star ratings from your fam. You can thank me later on;).

Can you make Mac and Cheese Bites gluten free?

Before I get to the recipe – for my gluten-free friends out there, I did make a batch of gluten-free mac and cheese bites and it works just fine. The key is to not overcook your pasta, whether it’s GF or whole wheat. No one likes mushy mac, right?!

Mac & Cheese Bites
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

Perfectly portable muffins made of homemade mac & cheese.

Course: Lunch, Side
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 228 kcal
Author: Kiran Dodeja Smith
Ingredients
  • 2 cups uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni (use gluten free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup whole wheat dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 TBSP butter
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk I used whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add macaroni and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Pasta should still be a bit firm. While this is boiling, mix together the breadcrumbs, olive oil and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Once macaroni is done cooking, drain and return to pot, removing it from the heat. Stir in butter to coat. Then stir in beaten egg, ensuring pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar, the milk, garlic powder, mustard and all of the mozzarella cheese and mix to combine.
  5. Spoon into 12 prepared muffin tins and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese and the breadcrumb/spice mixture.
  6. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes, until tops are golden brown. Cool for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes before removing.
Nutrition Facts
Mac & Cheese Bites
Amount Per Serving (0 g)
Calories 228 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 361mg16%
Potassium 110mg3%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 0g0%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 335IU7%
Vitamin C 0.6mg1%
Calcium 217mg22%
Iron 1.3mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes: This is my favorite spray. It includes no additives or propellants,  just 100% avocado oil. And it has a heat point of 450 degrees, so it can be used in higher temperatures, too. Oh, and this is my favorite muffin tin. It’s SO worth switching to stainless!!


Look how nicely this fits into one of my favorite lunchboxes. You can tell how easy this was to throw together. Say goodbye to stressful lunch-packing nights and mornings! You go, girl.

 

So tell me – what do you prefer better: regular ol’ mac, or super fun mac and cheese bites??


One more thing! Have you checked out Camp Kitchen, the answer to “what to do” this summer, spring or winter break, or anytime you are looking for a structured activity? Kids are loving this fun and easy-to-do program, and moms are, too! Find out more by clicking here

 

 

 

 

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