These Mini Mac & Cheese Cups are the ultimate Superbowl party food ideas for your game day celebration! Imagine bite-sized portions of creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection in muffin tins, creating individual servings that are easy to grab while cheering for your team. These delightful cups combine the comfort of classic mac and cheese with the convenience of finger foods, making them ideal for any football gathering or casual entertaining situation.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at the nutritional profile of these delicious Mini Mac & Cheese Cups:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Calcium | 220mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
These mini cups offer a good balance of macronutrients, with protein from cheese and milk, carbohydrates from pasta, and moderate fat content. They’re also portion-controlled, helping guests enjoy their favorite comfort food without overindulging.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing Mini Mac & Cheese Cups:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups elbow macaroni | Base of the dish | Cavatappi, small shells, or any small pasta shape |
| 2 tablespoons butter | Creates rich base for cheese sauce | Olive oil, plant-based butter |
| 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour | Thickening agent for sauce | Gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch |
| 1 cup whole milk | Creates creamy sauce | 2% milk, plant-based milk alternatives |
| 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese | Main flavor component | Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or cheese blend |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | Adds depth of flavor and binding | Asiago, Romano, or nutritional yeast |
| 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder | Enhances cheese flavor | 1/2 teaspoon prepared Dijon mustard |
| 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder | Adds savory note | 1 clove minced fresh garlic |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Seasoning | Seasoned salt, cajun seasoning |
| 2 eggs, beaten | Binding agent | 3 tablespoons mayonnaise |
| 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs | Crispy topping | Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, crushed potato chips |
Equipment Needed
To prepare these Mini Mac & Cheese Cups, you’ll need:
– 12-cup muffin tin
– Non-stick cooking spray or paper liners
– Medium saucepan
– Whisk
– Large mixing bowl
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Colander for draining pasta
– Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious Mini Mac & Cheese Cups that will be the highlight of your Superbowl party food ideas spread:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin generously with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for about 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate (you want it slightly undercooked). Drain well and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the macaroni mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Press down slightly to pack them.
7. Add Topping: Mix the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with the panko breadcrumbs, and sprinkle this mixture over each mac and cheese cup.
8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cups are set.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing. This helps them hold their shape better.
These Mini Mac & Cheese Cups are perfect for your football party foods lineup and can be made in advance to save time on game day!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Too Dry? Add an extra tablespoon of milk to the mixture before baking.
– Not Holding Together? Make sure to let the mixture cool slightly before adding eggs, and don’t skip the eggs as they’re crucial binders.
РFor Extra Flavor: Add crumbled bacon, diced jalape̱os, or caramelized onions to the mixture.
– Getting Stuck? If cups are sticking despite using non-stick spray, run a knife around the edges before attempting to remove them.
– Make Them Mini: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions, reducing the cooking time to 15-18 minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigeration: Store cooled mac and cheese cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: Freeze completely cooled cups on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: From refrigerated, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. From frozen, reheat for 15-20 minutes.
– Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire recipe up to the point of baking, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before your Superbowl party.
Conclusion
These Mini Mac & Cheese Cups are sure to score a touchdown at your next gathering as perfect Superbowl party food ideas! Their individual serving size makes them ideal for buffet-style entertaining, and guests will appreciate being able to enjoy this comfort food classic without needing a plate and fork. The crispy exterior and creamy interior create a delightful textural contrast that elevates this humble dish to party-worthy status. Whether you’re hosting a big game watch party or just looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers, these cheesy bites deliver big flavor in a convenient package.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
How many mini mac and cheese cups does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 standard-sized muffin cups or approximately 24 mini muffin cups.
Can I add vegetables to make these healthier?
Absolutely! Finely chopped broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work great. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
What’s the best cheese to use for mac and cheese cups?
Sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor, but a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack creates wonderful depth of flavor.
Can I make these vegetarian/vegan?
They’re already vegetarian! For vegan versions, use plant-based butter, milk, cheese alternatives, and a flax egg substitute.
If you’re looking for more delicious ideas for your game day spread, check out these Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that pair perfectly with Mini Mac & Cheese Cups.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Mini Mac & Cheese Cups.
You might also like these :
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Deliciously Simple Seafood Dish in Minutes
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: An Irresistible, Easy Chicken Dinner!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Best Chicken Crockpot Recipes for Cozy Meals
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice That’ll Make You Drool – A Fresh Chicken Crockpot Recipes Delight