Bacon Mac and Cheese Bites

Macaroni and cheese, often referred to simply as mac and cheese, holds a special place in the hearts of many as the quintessential comfort food. This creamy, cheesy dish has been a staple in homes and restaurants alike, cherished for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Over the years, it has evolved into various forms, with countless recipes tailored to fit the tastes and preferences of different audiences. Among these adaptations, *sizzling bacon mac and cheese bites* stand out as an innovative twist that combines the nostalgic appeal of classic mac and cheese with a modern, bite-sized presentation.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these sizzling bacon mac and cheese bites! Combining classic mac and cheese with crispy bacon, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion. Their creamy, cheesy center and crunchy breadcrumb topping create an irresistible flavor and texture contrast. Easy to share and ideal for snacking, these crowd-pleasers will elevate your gatherings and make every movie night special. Discover how to master this delicious recipe today!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the macaroni thoroughly and set it aside for later.

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Sauté the bacon pieces until they are crispy and golden, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Be sure to reserve about one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.

Make the Cheese Sauce: Keep the skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter to the reserved bacon grease. Allow the butter to melt completely. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes bubbly and golden. Gradually add the whole milk to the skillet, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture just begins to thicken—around 5 minutes should do the trick.

Add Spices and Cheese: To the thickened sauce, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Then, slowly incorporate both the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything is completely melted and smooth.

Combine: Gently fold the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece is well coated with the creamy goodness.

Prepare the Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each cup of the muffin tin with the mac and cheese mixture. Pack it down lightly to help the bites hold their shape.

Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of each mac and cheese bite, ensuring they are all well covered for a crunchy texture.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve: Once done, allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully removing them. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for added color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 24 bites