Crispy Mac 'n' Cheese Bites Enhanced with Bacon and Mushrooms
Whip up some mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Bites with Bacon and Mushrooms for your next brunch or dinner gathering! This delectable twist on a classic dish is sure to impress. Here's the down-and-dirty recipe:
Ingredients (11):
- Cooking spray, for coating the muffin pan
- 3 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 heaping cup sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 cup dried whole-wheat macaroni or other small pasta shape
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions (5 easy steps):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it's crisp, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the fat remaining in the pan. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Set aside.
- Boil a large saucepan filled with water over high heat, adding salt and pasta. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pasta al dente, which takes about 7 minutes or as suggested on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly until it's smooth as well. Add the cheeses and whisk until the sauce is silky.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, bacon, and mushrooms with the cheese sauce. Stir in the beaten eggs. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tins, filling them evenly. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden, and the centers are bubbling. Allow the bites to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them.
Store it for Later:
For easy meal prep, refrigerate the bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days or seal them in a zippered plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Want to take your meal to the next level? Serve your Mac and Cheese Bites with Bacon and Mushrooms alongside our specially crafted Spicy Tomato Soup. It's a combination that will knock your socks off!
Spicy Tomato Soup (Serves 4-6):
For a spicy and aromatic tomato soup that pairs wonderfully with our mouthwatering mac and cheese bites, you can try out this easy recipe:- Ingredients: Olive oil, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, canned diced tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, fresh basil leaves, and smoked paprika (optional).- Instructions: Heat the olive oil, cook the onions, add the garlic, spices, and tomatoes. Simmer, blend, and season to taste. Find the complete recipe under the enrichment data section.
So, gear up for an extraordinary dining experience with delectable mac and cheese bites and spicy tomato soup! Bon appétit!
- The delectable twist on a classic Mac and Cheese dish, featuring bacon, mushrooms, and a variety of cheeses, can impress nutrition-conscious individuals as it contains whole-wheat pasta and a creditline for easy meal prep.
- Despite the impressive flavors and nutrition in the Mac and Cheese Bites recipe, it's important to remember that serving size is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet, similar to portion control with a heaping cup of mushrooms.
- After sampling the cool and irresistible Mac and Cheese Bites with Bacon and Mushrooms, you might feel inspired to explore more recipies, perhaps even trying out our Spicy Tomato Soup for an unforgettable dining experience at your next gathering.
