Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate comfort dish for kids who turn into fun, handmade foods! As a nutritionist mom, I love how versatile these bites are—they make a quick and easy snack or meal that fits any time of day (and is perfect for school lunches).
Whether it’s baby weaning, lunch boxes or an afternoon snack, they offer a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates that’s filling and delicious. With just a few binder clips, your favorite cheese, and a mini muffin pan, you can have these mac and cheese bites ready in less than 20 minutes. And trust me, kids of all ages can’t get enough of them!
What you need to make Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
As a mom of three, I like to use what I have on hand to create simple, nutritious meals. For these mac and cheese bites, you only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can use up leftover mac and cheese, which is always a winner in my house!
what do you need:
- Leftover mac and cheese
- Eggs
- breadcrumbs
- Shredded cheese (your favorite!)
- Dry mustard
- Salt and pepper
How to modify this recipe
Because we all know that no two families eat exactly the same way, here are some easy substitutions to make this recipe work for everyone.
How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For starters, you’ll want to make sure the mac and cheese base is vegan. To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use vegan cheese.
How can I make this recipe gluten free?
It’s super easy to make these gluten-free mac and cheese bites! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta for your mac and cheese.
Why This Dietitian Loves Mac and Cheese Bites
These bites are packed with both protein and carbs, making them a satisfying choice for snacks, school lunches or even weaning babies.
How to make these mac and cheese bites
With a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, cheesy snack ready in less than 30 minutes. First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mac and cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese and mustard powder. Don’t forget to add some salt and pepper for seasoning!
Put in a muffin tin: Press the mixture into the muffin tin, making sure to lightly press each scoop down so they bake evenly.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes: Watch them. You want them golden and crispy on the edges.
Cool slightly and enjoy: Let them cool before taking them out of the pan and serving.
What to serve with this recipe for Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
These mac and cheese bites are a meal on their own, but if you want to top it off, here are some ideas:
Frequently asked questions
How long will mac and cheese bites last in the fridge?
They keep up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just pop them in the microwave or oven to reheat.
Can I freeze mac and cheese bites?
Yes! I like to freeze extras for busy weeks. Once they have cooled, place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze them. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for about 2 months. Keep in mind that when they thaw, they will have a smooth texture.
Can I make mac and cheese bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep!
Can you make them in a large muffin tin?
Yes! You’ll just need to adjust the baking time, so plan on baking them a little longer—about 20-25 minutes—until they’re golden on the edges.
More pasta recipes
Healthy Mac and Cheese Bites for Kids
Production efficiency:
24 bites
Preparation time:
5 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
20 minutes
Mac and Cheese Bites are the ultimate comfort dish for kids who turn into fun, handmade foods! As a nutritionist mom, I love how versatile these bites are—they make a quick and easy snack or meal that fits any time of day.
Ingredients
2 cups leftover mac and cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated cheese
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, mix together the remaining mac and cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese and mustard powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the greased mini muffin tin, pressing down slightly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Let the bites cool a little before removing them from the pan. Enjoy them in your lunch box!
