Mini Mac & Cheese Bacon Cups -

One of the critical components of any great mac and cheese is the cheese sauce, and for our Bacon-Wrapped Mini Mac & Cheese Cups, we’ll create a rich, creamy sauce that will elevate the dish to new heights.

Mini Mac & Cheese Bacon Cups

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with Bacon-Wrapped Mini Mac & Cheese Cups! These bite-sized treats pack all the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese, wrapped in savory, crispy bacon for an irresistible flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy family meals, these mini cups are both visually appealing and utterly delicious. Enjoy a fun twist on a beloved favorite that’s sure to delight your guests and satisfy your cravings!

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Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8 slices of bacon, each cut in half

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package's directions until al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes.

- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

- Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring continuously to form a roux.

- Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming.

- Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Add the Cheese:

- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth.

- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

- Gently fold in the cooked macaroni until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Grease a standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

- Take each half slice of bacon and wrap it around the interior edge of a muffin cup, making sure the ends overlap slightly. This will create a delightful bacon cup to hold the mac and cheese.

Fill the Cups:

- Spoon the creamy mac and cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped muffin cup, filling them generously.

- If you enjoy a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filled cups.

Bake:

- Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the tops of the mac and cheese cups are golden brown.

Serve:

- Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for a few minutes.

- Use a small spatula to gently lift each mac and cheese cup out.

- If you choose, garnish the cups with chopped chives or green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy:

- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or eye-catching party snack that is sure to impress!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 12 servings